Josephine J. Labedz (nee Jakubowski), age 97, of Hegewisch passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Josephine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Jakubowski. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Frank S. Labedz, who passed in 2017, as well as five sisters and two brothers. She was the cherished mother of Linnette (Jones) Drzewiecki, Collette (Phil) Kumiega, Celeste (Terry) Szany, Michele (Rick) Witkus, and Ron (Ericka) Labedz. Josephine was the dearest grandmother of Caitlin, Bobby, Stephanie, Nathan, Hannah, Sophia, and Alex, great-grandmother of seven, and great-great-grandmother of one. She was also a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Josephine grew up in Hegewisch during the Great Depression where she met her husband, Frank. They married when she was 20 years old. While raising her children, Josephine took several jobs to help ends meet, including working at Clark Oil, R.R. Donnelley & Sons (Yellow Pages), and delivering intra-office Western Union telegrams via roller skates.

Josephine was an avid card player, enjoyed swimming at Mann Park, trying her luck on slots at local casinos, and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella. To the chagrin of many, Josephine was very direct in expressing her thoughts, never with malice, but often without tact. Josephine's feisty spirit remained until the end; just days before her passing she jokingly told one her children "I'll kick your butt" (though she didn't say "butt"). Above all, Josephine was known for being thoughtful, kind, generous, and devoted to her family. Josephine will be missed by everyone fortunate to have been part of her life.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 3pm - 8pm at Sadowski Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 830am - 930am at Sadowski Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Christ Our Light  Catholic Church, formerly St. Florian Church of Chicago, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Special Olympics of Illinois or Hospice of the Calumet Area. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. IL.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Sadowski Funeral Home of Hegewisch: 13300 S Houston Ave., Chicago, IL 60633.

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