Theresa A. Ptaszek

In Loving Memory of Theresa A. Ptaszek (née Layman)

Theresa A. Ptaszek, 90, of West Chicago, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 3, 2025. Born on May 16, 1935, in Chicago, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by faith, generosity, and love for family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Vincent; her parents, John and Genevieve (Blaszkiewicz) Layman; and her siblings Casimir, Eleanor (Frank), and Johnny.

Theresa is survived by her children; Edward (Julie) Ptaszek, Sue (Chris) Van Acker, and Jerome (Michele) Ptaszek. She was a cherished grandmother to Matt (Kelly), Emily (Sr. Anna Joseph), Claire (Scotty), Audrey (Isaac), Karen (Phil), Johnnie, Shannon, Brianna, Vince, Gianna, and Sela. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren; Fran, Ometz, Henry, Dominic, Elise, Lydia, Boaz, Genevieve, Otto, Thaddeus, Annie, and one more soon to arrive. She was also a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A proud member of the Wayne Township Senior Center, Theresa was deeply involved in her church community. She and Edward ran bingo nights together and she volunteered tirelessly—serving at luncheons, cleaning, working at food pantries, and supporting parish life in countless ways. In addition to working part-time at both the First National Bank and St. Andrew’s Country Club, Theresa was the backbone of Prism Glazing—our small family business that she helped create and grow with her husband and two sons—serving as part-owner, secretary, and accountant.

Theresa found joy in gardening, sewing, line dancing, and playing cards—especially pinochle and canasta. She was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and the proud host of the family’s beloved Christmas Eve celebration, filled with Polish traditions, great food and music.

She will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her love of treating others on their birthdays, and her unwavering devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Mother.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 S Bartlett Rd (at Stearns Rd), Bartlett.

Prayers will begin Monday at 9:45 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church.

Interment will take place at Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society would be deeply appreciated.