Monica M. Venkus

Monica M. Venkus, nee Stoga, 84, of Oak Lawn, Il and Lake Cora, MI. Beloved wife of Dr. Carl Venkus for 62 years; devoted mother of Laura (Jim) Rossiter, Julia (Bert Carstens), Joseph, David (Laura), Diana (Scott) Schwefel, John, Sara (Joe) Cirelli, and the late Carla Marie; proud Nana of Elizabeth, Jack, Mark, Hannah, Carly, Morgan, Spencer, Olivia, Logan, Vivienne, Emily, Olivia, Julie, Jenna and Joey; loving sister of Stan (Kathleen) Stoga; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She attended Lourdes High School, where she was an accomplished athlete. She graduated from Chicago Teachers’ College, and taught in the Chicago Public Schools, followed by a second career as a cook in Quaker Oats test kitchens, all while raising her seven children. She was a wonderful chef, whose meals were enjoyed by everyone -from daily dinners to holiday gatherings with her large family. She also was a world class shopper, whose sense of a good deal matched her sense of style. She loved spending time at her lake house, hosting cocktail cruises at sunset, and enjoyed playing cards with her friends and grandchildren. She was truly a force of nature and will be greatly missed.

Visitation Thursday 4:00 to 9:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, 11:00 AM at St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler Ave, Oak Lawn. Interment private at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.donate.lls.org/ are appreciated. Info. 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com.