Dolores M. Studnicki

Dolores M. Studnicki, 90, of Streator, Illinois, died December 16, 2020.  Born in 1929 to Albert and Mary Besserman, Dolores was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grade School and Streator High School. 

As an active member of the former St. Stephen's Church, Dolores lovingly sowed the seeds of God’s Word through her many years of service as first-grade religious education teacher as well as school secretary.  She loved interacting with the children and was honored in the "Today's Catholic Teacher" publication for her efforts at the school. 

Dolores was a loving wife to her husband, Edmund, and they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.  Together they enjoyed a full and enriching life and raised four children, with a firm foundation of faith, love, and family values.   

Dolores especially enjoyed doing things for and with her family. She loved hosting large family picnics in the backyard, cooking delicious meals celebrating her Slavic heritage, canning vegetables from her garden, and making pies from her cherry trees.  Some of her other interests included fishing at Starved Rock and Allen Park, taking family vacations out West, knitting, bike riding, and growing beautiful roses, to name a few.  Dolores’s everyday actions stemmed from her selfless desire to help and provide comfort to others.  

Although Dolores’ later years were marked by a slow decline from Alzheimer’s disease, Dolores’s and Ed’s love for each other never waned.  Their commitment to each other, even in the face of adversity, provided a shining example of what Jesus intended the vocation of married life to be.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mary Besserman; husband, Edmund Studnicki, and son, David Studnicki. 

She is survived by sons, Gary (Peggy) Studnicki (Streator) and Bruce Studnicki (Bloomington, IL); daughter, Julie (Mike) Munie (North Augusta, SC); daughter-in-law, Joan Studnicki (Streator); sister, Rosemary (Phil) Maresca (San Carlos, CA); brother, Albert (Francis) Besserman (Cary, NC); grandchildren: Sarah (Matt) Dukes (Marquette Heights, IL), Susan Studnicki (Streator), Adam (Sarah) Studnicki (Streator), Michael Studnicki (Clinton, IL), Monica (Joel) Brooks (Washburn, IL), Megan (Brad) DeMoss (Streator), Nathan Studnicki (Streator), Amanda Studnicki (Gainesville, FL), Jessica (Luke) Joseph (Birmingham, AL), and Stephanie Munie (North Augusta, SC); and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be private.  The Winterrowd Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Streator Area United Way.