Mary Yarka

Mary “Maria” Yarka, age 98 of Oak Lawn, IL, formerly of the Chicago Burnside area, passed away on January 13, 2023 from dementia. She was born in Ukraine in 1924 to the late Alexander and Anna Szupikow. She was the beloved wife of the late Ely “ILko” Yarka and the cherished mother of the late Stanley (the late Janina) Yarka, Anna (Jim Kelly) Yarka, John Yarka, Kathryn (Ed) Brzezinski and Mary (the late Tony) La Mantia. She was a devoted grandmother to Brian, Natalie, Michelle, Lindsey, Lauren & Tyler, and a great grandmother of 11. She was preceded in death by her loving sister Alexandra Milan, who resided in Indiana, and another sister and brother in the Ukraine. She was also the fond aunt and great aunt to many nieces & nephews.

Mary was dedicated not only to her immediate family but also to her love of Bingo and supported many churches, schools and VFWs in the southwestern communities. She was a known presence in many bingo halls and had a photographic memory of the many bingo cards she played even if she couldn’t remember what she did with her car keys. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her and will not be easily forgotten. A very special and heartfelt Thank You goes out to her Guardian Angels, son John, daughter Mary, and granddaughter Lindsey, who were Mary’s constant and loving caregivers during the last few years of her illness. Also, we wish to thank the dedicated nurses and aids from Northwestern Medical Palos Hospital Hospice for the wonderful care and compassionate support given to Mary.

Resting at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn where Services will take place Thursday, January 19th at 11:00 am.

Interment St. Mary Cemetery.

Visitation Wednesday, January 18th from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.