Gladys Rose Zajicek-Ignatius

On Monday, July 29, 2024, Gladys Rose Zajicek-Ignatius, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away at the age of 95. Gladys was born June 16, 1929 in Berwyn, IL to Joseph Anton and Bessie (Lejcar) Stauber. On February 2nd, 1948, she united in marriage to John (Jack) G. Zajicek, III. In 1962, Gladys and Jack together purchased, expanded, and operated a very successful mobile home park, Chain-O-Lakes Mobile Homes until Jack’s passing in 1979. Gladys continued managing this community until her passing. Gladys and Jack together had three children, Janet Smart (Ed Jacobs), Susan (deceased) Zajicek, and John (Kristine) G. Zajicek, IV. Gladys remarried years later to Bernard Ignatius (deceased) who had five adult children; Roger (deceased Jeanne) Ignatius, Tom (Kristina) Ignatius, Jim (Dawn) Ignatius, Scott Ignatius, and Nancy (Henry) Williby. Gladys took pride in being the matriarch of the family by instilling the importance of family and traditions, and by always planning events for the family to gather and celebrate. She loved boating with her loved ones and friends on the Chain O' Lakes. She was the hostess with the mostest, and no one ever left her home without a full plate of food for later. She was the epitome of a social butterfly, always dressed up to the nines, listening to music, laughing, and connecting with others. Gladys also was quite the football enthusiast of her home team, the Chicago Bears. While managing her mobile home business, she made it a priority to make connections with every single tenant and maintain a neighborly community. Gladys was a generous, hardworking self-starter, creative entrepreneur spirit, independent, detailed-oriented, and strong-willed Christian woman. She was also such a sweet and caring friend. When married to Bernard, they embraced traveling all over the United States attending concerts, balloon festivals, Rose Bowl, art shows, museums, exploring landmarks, and trying new restaurants. They established a second home in Fort Myers Beach, where she made even more lasting friendships. While in Florida, she discovered her joy and talent for painting beachscapes and sunsets. She was also a sun worshiper, who enjoyed walks on the beach collecting shells. Those who will also mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her grand-children, Mikelle Smart, Nicole Smart, Alanna (Ray) Tayao, Sloane (Shannon, deceased) Geary, Reed Geary, Theresa (Dave) Moore, Christopher Ignatius, Taryn (Mike) Ketels, Jim (Natalie) Ignatius, Kelli (Sam) Stephens, Margaret Lutz, Mary Lutz, Carilyn Williby, Christian Williby, great-grandchildren Blaze, Bjorn, and Ronan Geary, Raden and August Tayao. In addition, she will always be remembered and honored by several nieces, nephews, great, and great-great nieces and nephews. The family would like to express gratitude to everyone at JourneyCare Hospice and Gladys’s excellent caretakers Cleo, Anna, Cyd, Lynn, and Barb. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or Lord of Glory Church. Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, 607 W Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment is private at Bohemian National Cemetery.

Gladys Rose Zajicek-Ignatius

June 16, 1929 - July 29, 2024

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