Dorothy Konopacz, née Hojnacki, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 26, 2026.
Born on April 5, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Kazmer and Frances (née Kulczyk) Hojnacki. Dorothy spent her childhood in the Bucktown neighborhood with her sisters, Maryann Knight and Loretta Pociask. She often pointed out the spot where her childhood home once stood whenever the family drove along the Kennedy Expressway.
Dorothy attended and graduated from St. Hedwig Grammar School where she received her sacraments, and later graduated from Josephinum High School in 1948.
Dorothy met William "Pepper" Konopacz Sr. on the steps of St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Chicago in 1949. They were married there on May 26, 1951. They spent the first eight years of their marriage in Bucktown, where they began raising their family. In July 1959, they broke ground on a home in Villa Park, Illinois, and moved into it in January 1960. Dorothy remained in that home for the rest of her life.
Pepper and Dorothy were married for 58½ years and were blessed with eight children: an infant child who preceded them in death; Pamela (Albert) Baldwin of Villa Park; William Konopacz Jr. of Glen Ellyn; Kenneth Konopacz, who preceded her in death; Lawrence (Julia) Konopacz of Elmhurst; Donald (Cheryl Kirk) Konopacz of Woodridge; Mary Slade of Villa Park; and Vicki (Paul) Flaskamp of Villa Park.
Family was always at the center of Dorothy's life. Over the years, people often commented on how close-knit the Konopacz family was, a reflection of the love, loyalty, and strong family bonds Pepper and Dorothy helped nurture throughout their lives. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dorothy was a founding and devoted parishioner of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Villa Park. She served the Council of Catholic Women in several leadership roles, including president and vice president, and was honored as Woman of the Year in both 1978 and 2022. She chaired the Calling Committee and church cleaning efforts, where she founded the "Holy Dusters." She also enjoyed working at Bingo and treasured the community, fellowship, and friendships she shared through the church. She is most notably known for chairing the Bake Sale Committee as well as her famous Cherry Pan Squares.
Dorothy was also actively involved in the lives of her children outside the home, including serving as a Head Cub Scout den mother. Whether through church, school, Scouting, or family activities, she was always willing to lend her time and support.
In addition to raising her children and dedicating so much of her time to the church and community, Dorothy proudly worked at Kmart in North Park Plaza for 16 years, spending many of those years in the Layaway Department.
In retirement, Dorothy cherished her role as Grandma and Busia and was surrounded by the love of her 10 grandchildren: Lauren (Andrew Cuyugan) Konopacz, Adam Baldwin, Corie Baldwin (Derek) Johns, John (Kaitlin) Konopacz, Brian (Kristen) Konopacz, Megan (Daniel Lee) Slade, Madeline Flaskamp, Andrew Flaskamp, Zachary Flaskamp, and Brianna Konopacz; and her six great-grandchildren: William Konopacz, Luke Konopacz, Kolbe Konopacz, Casey Konopacz, Molly Johns, and Emmett Konopacz.
Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, aunt, Grandma, and Busia, as well as an incredible storyteller who never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. She was the heart of a remarkably close family and a constant, loving presence in their lives. She will be profoundly missed. If you wish to make a donation in Dorothy's memory, she chose the following charities that were meaningful to her: the American Macular Degeneration Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Steuerle Chapel, 15 W Park Blvd. Villa Park, IL 60181. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday at St. Alexander Catholic Church, 300 S Cornell Villa Park, IL 60181. Interment Maryhill Catholic Cemetery. Funeral info: steuerlefh.com or 630-832-4161.
