Elaine Rose Pawlak

Elaine Rose Pawlak, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2022, at the age of 84. Despite numerous health issues, “Go-Go-Grammie-Laine” was actively engaged with life up until the very end -- reading to her beloved grandchildren, participating in two book clubs, getting her hair done, working to have her apartment building reduce its plastic use -- when she eventually succumbed to cancer and complications from Covid-19.

Elaine was a life-long learner who put herself through school, while working and raising two small children. She earned her BA in Education from Northeastern Illinois in 1977, followed by her Masters Degree in Reading in 1982. Elaine taught 4th Grade at Hatch School in Oak Park for many years. Some of her favorite memories of teaching involved introducing students to the complex biodiversity of both the American Prairie and the Amazon Rainforest– including transforming her classroom into a dense jungle with hanging vines.

A spiritual seeker, Elaine found wonder and awe in the beauty of the natural world, and intellectual stimulation in a good book. She was an avid reader who paid close attention to current events, and was devoted to making the world a better place. She found delight in children, especially her grandkids, and showed her love for family and friends with delicious food. Elaine loved to swim and get in her daily walks. She was a beautiful woman who had to have her hair just so. She was passionate, generous, and independent.

Elaine is survived by her son Paul, his wife Lara, and their child Silas; her son Michael, his wife Pegeen, and their children Ronan and Declan; her sisters Rita Divito of Glenview, Illinois and Lorrie Brenner of Murphy, Texas, and many other loving relatives and friends. Elaine’s spirit lives on through all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service to celebrate Elaine is planned for June 25, 2022.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” ~ Vicki Corona