Maria Rozalia Kaup

Maria Rozalia Kaup passed away December 18th, 2020 from COVID. She put up a strong fight but was unable to recover from this horrible virus. She was born in Budapest Hungary on February 16th 1943 to Rozalia Szajlai.

She immigrated to the United States in 1968 and settled in Crystal Lake Illinois. Here is where she met the love of her life Elmar Kaup. They had two children Ginger Pellegrino (Rich) and Anita Smullin (Eric), 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. They were married for 42 years before his death in 2011. After her husband’s death she worked hard to be happy again. She had a wonderful group of friends that she met through her Hospice support group, volunteering at her church (Bethany Lutheran in Crystal Lake), and volunteering at the Raue Center. She also had many close friends that she has known for over 50 years. She will be truly missed by all especially by her beloved feline companion, Sofi.

Everyone who knew her loved her. She was a kind, caring and generous person. It seemed like everywhere she went someone knew her and she would strike up a conversation.

She spent 18 years working as a cook with Crystal Lake School District 47. She enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. She visited Europe, Australia and traveled throughout the United States. She enjoyed bringing back memories from her travels and sharing them with family and friends. She loved to do arts and crafts and loved beautiful flowers. She took pride in her flowers that she planted around her house in the summer, and they were admired by everyone.

She deeply loved her friends and family, and she leaves a hole in each of their hearts. Preceding her death is her husband Elmar, her mother, father and her brother.

Due to COVID restrictions a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Her wishes for everyone would be to be safe and take COVID seriously.