Marie Fabrizius

MARIE HELEN FABRIZIUS, age 89, of Virgil, passed away quietly in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at her home, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She was born on March 29, 1924, the daughter of Nicholas and Helen (Strobel) Hardt in Virgil Township. Marie grew up on the family farm. The oldest of six children, she had a joy-filled childhood. She fondly recalled riding to S.S. Peter and Paul Grade School each morning sitting on a milkcan in her father’s truck. She went on to high school at Mount St. Mary Academy in St. Charles where she graduated in the class of 1941.Marie continued her education at Northern Illinois State Teachers College before working at Kemper Insurance in Chicago for four years. Marie proved that you can take a girl out of the farm but not the farm out of the girl when she returned to her roots after she married Michael Fabrizius on May 11, 1946 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Virgil, IL. Marie and Mike had known each other since childhood, having been raised on neighboring farms. They began their new life in Virgil, working side by side with Mike on their dairy farm on Meredith Rd. Marie loved being a "farmer’s wife". Raising chickens, selling eggs, driving tractors and cleaning milking machines all came natural to Marie, but not as natural as being a mother of nine children. Marie’s heart was big enough for everyone and was always filled with kindness, comfort, grace and love. In 1987, Marie left the fields for the greener pastures of retirement, living in a neighboring house that she would call home even into her last days. She was a life-long and faithful member of S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the parish where she had been baptized, married and attended daily Mass. Marie also gave time and held memberships with Kane County Homemakers, Virgil Ladies Sewing Club and the Maple Park/ Virgil 500 Card Club. Marie was a hardworking soul who loved to laugh, play cards and spend time with her family and friends. Her favorite times were spent during August each year when the family clan gathered for "Card Camp", a week of card playing and fun at Apple Canyon Lake near Galena, IL. Marie was optimistic, even in the midst of hardships which were always met with a steadfast faith and unshakable courage. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. If you had a friend in Marie, you had one for life as she kept in touch with many friendships born through her childhood and schooling years. She made everyone feel their life and activities were important to her, especially her grandchildren. Marie was a great cook and baker, known for her cheesy potatoes, apple sauce, pancakes, bread and "hurry-up" cake. She even made wedding cakes during her younger years. Also fondly remembered were her creations using rhubarb in its many forms, as well as the canned vegetables and fruits that were products of her garden and fruit trees. Marie’s hands were never idle for long. If she wasn’t sewing, crocheting, or doing needle point, she was doing crosswords, crafts of all kinds or reading mystery novels. She also loved to travel and settled her sights on destinations both domestic and international. Among her favorite trips were a cruise to Alaska and several visits to Branson, MO. She enjoyed pilgrimages to shrines such as the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. and Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia. Many memories were also made during trips to France, England and to her ancestral roots in Germany. She is survived by eight children: Mike (Pam) Fabrizius, John Fabrizius, Ron (Laurie) Fabrizius, Gerard (Judy) Fabrizius, Lorene (Dana) Eckberg,Diane Fabrizius, Chuck (Julie) Fabrizius and Donna (Jim) Homan;One daughter-in-law, Randee (Scott) Fabrizius Adams;Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren;Two siblings: Doris (Clark) Reynolds and Jerry Hardt and a countryside of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Helen Hardt, husband Michael F. Fabrizius, one son Ken Fabrizius, one baby girl Mary Anne, in infancy, her brothers, Edward and Harold Hardt and one sister, Kay Kukura. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m., Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the S.S. Peter and Paul Church Hall located directly next to the church at 5N539 Meredith Rd. in Virgil. There will also be a time of visitation from 9:30-10:15 a.m., Monday, March 24, followed by mass at 10:30 at the church. Fr. Perfecto Vasquez, pastor of the church, will officiate with interment to follow at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery. Further information available at www.conleycare.com. In lieu of flowers, Marie requested memorials in her name be given to The Poor Household of God (a 501C3 charitable organization). Donations may be mailed to The Poor Household of God, 233 Orchard Lane, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 or submitted online at poorhouseholdofgod.org.

5N939 Meredith RoadVirgil, IL 60151