Harriet E. Karwowski

Harriet E. Karwowski (nee Milewski) age 93 longtime resident of Chicago Heights, Illinois passed away surrounded by her family on February 23, 2023.  Beloved wife to the late George (d.1990); loving mother to John Karwowski, Emily (late Robert Shawn) Repking and Helen (Andrew) Sharp.  Babcia to Jennifer and Sarah Repking, Torrance, Matthew and Elizabeth Sharp. She is preceded in death by her parents Andrzej and Emilia (nee Dziegielewska) Milewski and 2 Brothers and 3 Sisters. Harriet, at the age of 29, left Poland and came to the United States on May 13, 1959 to join her brother in Chicago Heights.  Her first job was as a bartender/cook, at Marion’s Tavern which her brother owned. Shortly after, she met George and they were married on January 25, 1964. Throughout her years, Harriet sponsored many family members from Poland to come to the US.  She had a huge heart and welcomed everyone into her home for short and extended stays.  She helped them find employment and become successful. Her family was her pride and joy, especially her 5 grandchildren.  After retiring as a cook for Marion Catholic High School, she spent many years babysitting her grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews.  Everyone loved her and called her Babcia or Ciocia, it did not matter if they were related or not, her door was always open.  Anyone visiting knew that they couldn’t leave without having a delicious Polish homemade meal.  She was a devoted Catholic and attended Polish mass faithfully. A few of her favorite pastimes were baking, bingo and watching Friday night wrestling.

Visitation Tuesday, February 28^th from 9:00 A.M. until time of funeral Mass 12 Noon  at Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home 540 Dixie Hwy. (at Joe Orr Road), Chicago Heights, IL 60411.    Interment:  Calvary Cemetery, Steger, Illinois.  Info:(708) 754-0016.