Our mother, Irene Demianiuk (Ratulowski), 90, joined our father Eugene and her mother and father, Anna and Ignatius Ratulowski on Sunday, January 28 from Azura Memory Care in Monroe, Wisconsin. With strength and courage, mom devoted her life to her three children after she became widowed at the age of 41. Tough and resilient, mom could be funny and loving, but insisted upon moral correctness, hard work and persistence.

Mom cooked for Roy Elementary School in Northlake, Illinois for over thirty years. She always gave of herself, handing out ice cream treats to those kids who needed a bit of kindness. She was often found after school in classrooms helping Polish children with their English skills and homework.

Mom loved taking walks, going to garage sales, attending church, sharing her Polish heritage, and dancing to a good polka, but most importantly, she loved us.

Independent and strong, Mom showed commitment and fortitude in raising her children after a great loss: Peggy (Randy) Kruse - New Glarus; Michael (Marybeth) Demianiuk - Cedar Grove, and Edward (Cindy) Demianiuk - Monroe.

A loving "Granny" to Kory (Myriam), Collin and Allison Kruse; Ryan (Megan) Demianiuk, Abbie (Jamie) Meinen, and Meghan Demianiuk; Lauren (Alex) Grudem, Michael and Katie Demianiuk.

And Great - "Granny" to Jack, Nolan, Reid, Cael: Meinen; Lilliana, Maria, Violet and Grace: Demianiuk; and Aksel Kruse.

Spirited and witty, Mom gave us what we needed to find fulfillment in our lives: laughs, love and family.

The caregivers of Joyce's Homecare, Azura Memory Care and Monroe Clinic Hospice have been instrumental in providing love, companionship and assistance for our mother. We cannot thank them enough.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church, 1760 14th Street, Monroe. A luncheon will follow at the Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Avenue, Monroe, and a visitation with the family from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.