Emily Smagacz

Emily “Millie” Smagacz, age 84 ½ exactly, of Elburn, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Tuesday evening, April 5, 2016.
She was born on October 5, 1931, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Conrad and Mary (Semplinski) Lukashow.
Millie grew up on the north side of Chicago and attended local schools. She graduated from Lucy Flower Technical School.
Millie worked at the Federal Reserve, as well as a series of local banks, always on third shift, for over thirty years until her retirement.
She was united in marriage to Stanley Smagacz on April 25, 1953.
They began their new life together on the south side of the city, near Midway Airport, and began raising a family that would include five children. The home quickly filled with laughter, music and memories. After over forty years of marriage, Stanley and Millie drifted apart, but Millie continued to pursue her dream of “living long enough to be a burden to her children”. Her family can confidently say with a grin, “mission accomplished”.
Millie wasn’t one to join many organizations as she enjoyed bowling, playing cards with friends and reading the latest Harlequin Romance novels. But she was a “favorite” of QVC and the Radio Shopping Show, who are among the many who will mourn her passing.
Millie, aka Booboo, had a reputation for being truly one-of-a-kind. She was a strong woman with strong convictions and a mischievous streak a mile wide. Millie’s sense of humor instantly put a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. She was known for her backyard parties in the summer. Great food, music, and family combined to make unforgettable memories. A good time was guaranteed for all. She loved games of all kinds, including word and brain teasing games, especially the “guess the number…” types where you had to guess the number of objects in a container. Millie had one of the first ping pong tables in the neighborhood and a shuffle board in her backyard. She had uncanny luck when it came to scratch off tickets and was a proud owner of Krispie Kreme Stock in their heyday and was patiently waiting for a comeback. When she turned 70, Millie bought a brand new PT Cruiser, a fact of which she was immensely proud. Her Transport Chair came in a close second and was the envy of her neighborhood friends and several doctors offices. Millie absence will be keenly felt and she will never be forgotten.
She is survived by five children: Michael, Stephen, Mary (Chuck), Barbara (Don) and John (Paula); Six grandchildren: Amanda, Stephanie, Emily (Spencer), Daniel, Victoria and Nicholas; Many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends who will all miss her dearly. In addition, she leaves 25 bags of Starburst Jelly Beans, (the only kind you need), one case of Voortman’s chocolate wafers, cartons of Whoppers, too many Lifesavers to count and the legendary bottomless cup of homemade sweet tea made in glass Pyrex coffee pots.
Millie was the last of her generation and is now welcomed into the Heavenly arms of her mother, father and siblings.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Emily’s name. Checks may be made to “Emily Smagacz” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also forwarded to the same address or on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and read her full life story on www.conleycare.com.

A graveside service to celebrate her memory will be held at 12 p.m., at Holy Cross Cemetery, Theodore St. Joliet, IL, Saturday, April 9, 2016.

Holy Cross Cemetery, Theodore St. Joliet, IL