Rose Helene Karwowski

Rose Helene Karwowski

January 4, 1938 — May 29, 2026

Known as Helene or Cookie, of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois, a woman who truly lit up every room she entered, will be lighting up a new room in Heaven at age 88, Helene lived life entirely on her own terms: fiercely independent, delightfully silly, and full of affection. Helene was dear daughter of the late Helen Michaelene and Thaddeus "Ted" Peters; the beloved wife of the late Joseph “Joe”; adored Mom of the late Anthony "Tony" (Pattie) Karwowski, Christina "Tina" (Doug) Stephenson, the late Teresa "Teesie" Karwowski, Thaddeus "Ted" (Sandy) Karwowski & Helena Young; cherished Busia of Anthony "AJ", Chloe and Lexi Karwowski, Andrew "Andy" (Anna) and Michaelene "Mickey" Stephenson (Landen Williams), Cassidy "Cassie" (Dmitry) Karwowski Medvedev, Cameron "Cam" (Trinity) Karwowski, Miquella (Jacob), Michael "Mikey", and Jadilyn "Jadie" Young; sweet great Busia of Lucy, and Harrison; devoted sister of the late Dorothy “Dot” (the late Frank) Kroll and Aunt to Arlene (Mike) Steele and Michigan Family.

Helene was quite devoted to her family. She shared a close bond with her sister, friends and BFF Krysia Bender. She married the love of her life, Joe, and together they built a beautiful life of over 60 years until his passing in 2021. Helene worked for many years as a bookkeeper for her husband Joe's Construction Company. But most of all, Helene was a wife, loving Mom and Busia, the heart of her family.She found great joy in shopping for gifts for her friends and most especially family and couldn't wait to give them... often giving the gifts early with beautiful handwritten sentimental cards with stickers or sometime super late with notes all over them. She was an avid reader, esp Women's Day magazines which she enjoyed clipping out comics, articles and recipes and sending them off to friends and family with lil notes. She passed along her love of Jesus Christ, watching game shows, comedies, and pastors on TV esp Skyler Goodman, scrapbooking, flower arranging, crosswords, photos, puzzles, games, coloring, sewing clothes and anything under the sun, crocheting, gardening, watching backyard wild life and especially cooking to her children and grandchildren, along with her enthusiasm for cruises, family camping vacations in the beautiful USA and other world travel, dressing up with beautiful jewelry, and hosting dinners and parties for friends and family (a big one was with 100+).

Above all, Helene treasured holidays spent with her family and was known as a gourmet cook. She was overjoyed by the arrival of her grandkids and delighted in spoiling them every chance she had. Helene’s warmth, love, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be missed deeply and celebrated frequently, with the same boundless embrace of life she showed all of us.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9 a.m. to time of Funeral 10 a.m. all at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. The service will conclude with a luncheon at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.