Catherine Birkner Posted: 2022-01-04 08:27:24

Catherine Birkner

Obituary

Catherine “Cookie” Birkner, 82, of Huntley, died peacefully on January 2, 2022, in Arlington Heights surrounded by her loving children.
Cookie was born in Paterson, New Jersey on February 25, 1939, to parents Victor and Catherine (nee Chomyj) Manzo. After being set up on a blind date, Cookie married Roland Birkner on September 6, 1959. They were happily married for 50 years before Roland’s death in 2010. Cookie was very family focused and was completely devoted to her grandchildren, affectionately calling them “Her 7 Wonders of the World.” She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel the world. She was a member of many organizations, including the Sun City Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, the Junior Women’s Club, and various church groups. She had such great times as a member of Sun City Neighborhood 26 and with her Poker, Pinochle and Mexican Train groups.
She was thoughtful, generous, and kind, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Cookie is survived by her children, Roland (Kim) Birkner, Patricia (Brian) Marshall, Susan (Jeff) Chumbley, her grandchildren, Kelly, Dan, Trevor, Michelle, Taylor, David, and Tegan, her sister, Sandra Gigante, her sister-in-law, Virginia Manzo, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Birkner, her son, Scott Birkner, and her siblings, Angela DiDolci, and Anthony Manzo.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60660 (Misericordia.org)

Visitation will be Friday, January 7, 2022, from 11 a.m. to time of mass 12 noon all at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Mass will be live streamed on the DeFiore Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/defiorefuneral/
Entombment to follow mass at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, 1185 W Algonquin Road, Palatine.

Cookie’s family is planning a celebration of her life to be held at a later date.

For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.

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Deb and Ed Slamiak 2022-01-04 16:51:37

Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy and love to cousin "Cookie's" family. We send our deepest condolences.

Jim patrician sr 2022-01-05 11:55:38

I will fondly remember your mother until the day I follow her to a better place. I am so sorry for your loss. Sue, Tricia and Roland-you will always be a part of our family.

Matt and Eva Heidrich 2022-01-05 12:32:07

Our heartfelt sympathy to Cookie’s family on her passing. She was a special lady and a great neighbor.

Michael Collura 2022-01-05 12:43:19

Cookie your charismatic and bright personalty will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know you. Thank you for sharing your time with my children and I, making us always feel welcome and cared for.

Matt and Eva Heidrich 2022-01-05 12:56:22

Our heartfelt sympathy to Cookie’s family on her passing. She was a special lady and a great neighbor.

Jack. Louise Ward 2022-01-05 13:15:17

Our condolences for your loss ofafun loving mother

Cindy Stockdale 2022-01-05 13:32:07

May you Rest In Peace Aunt Cookie. Between you and my mother, Angela, heaven will never be the same! Your ,”7 wonders” we’re a very lucky clan, enjoying, laughing and traveling the world. Hugs to uncle Roland, grandma Manzo and your siblings. You’re together again.

Jimmy Patrician 2022-01-05 13:41:20

The Patrician Family has been so blessed to be able to consider the Birkners our true family. I feel I’ve lost a mother and a friend with the passing of Mrs. B. She would have done anything for me and my family as the whole Birkner family would, and has always done. We are so fortunate to have met you all and maintained our friendship for almost 50 years. Like your father, your mother will be missed but never forgotten. You have our deepest condolences and know that the thoughts and Prayers of all Patricians will be with you and your family as you morn the loss of such a great women. I’m sure she’ll continue to watch over all of us as she always has.

Dennis Kenaga 2022-01-05 14:09:34

I am so sorry for your loss, Cookie loved you all so very much. She and I were buddies, she will be missed.

Ron& Phyllis Chumbley 2022-01-05 16:23:16

We had the pleasure of knowing Cookie for over 20 years by being part of her family and enjoyed spending time with her. Her smile and laughs will be missed by all who knew her. She was a special friend.

Diane Anderson 2022-01-05 17:32:39

My deepest sympathy to the family. Cookie was a fun loving friend and neighbor. I wish I was in physical shape to attend her service, but my thoughts will be with you all.

Jimmy Patrician 2022-01-05 18:28:38

The Patrician Family has been so blessed to be able to consider the Birkners our true family. I feel I’ve lost a mother and a friend with the passing of Mrs. B. She would have done anything for me and my family as the whole Birkner family would, and has always done. We are so fortunate to have met you all and maintained our friendship for almost 50 years. Like your father, your mother will be missed but never forgotten. You have our deepest condolences and know that the thoughts and Prayers of all Patricians will be with you and your family as you morn the loss of such a great women. I’m sure she’ll continue to watch over all of us as she always has.

Cindy Stockdale 2022-01-05 18:33:23

May you Rest In Peace Aunt Cookie. Between you and my mother, Angela, heaven will never be the same! Your ,”7 wonders” we’re a very lucky clan, enjoying, laughing and traveling the world. Hugs to uncle Roland, grandma Manzo and your siblings. You’re together again.

Patricia ferry 2022-01-05 19:08:50

We were friends since we were 12 years old,went on trips together had great adventures with our husbands and I will miss you terribly

Linda 2022-01-05 19:30:19

There are no words to make the pain go away in the loss of your mother. I will always have the good memories of our families together. Cookie was a great friend and I wish I could hug her again and tell her that I love her. Time slips away, but please don’t let any of the wonderful memories you have of your mother ever disappear. She will be in our hearts forever and we will always be here for you.

Cris Nelson 2022-01-05 21:36:11

Tricia I am so saddened to hear of your moms passing. She is such a big part of my memories of growing up. She was the one who taught me how to cut through the yards to get to your house from Mine so I didn’t have to walk all the way around the block!! What fun we had! Let your memories be your strength during this difficult time. May her memory be eternal. ❤️

Janice Raucci and Family 2022-01-06 09:39:05

We are saddened to hear the news of your mother Sue. May she rest in peace and follow the Lord. Sending love and comfort to all of your family.

Kathleen Pott 2022-01-06 12:12:29

I send my deepest sympathy for your loss to Cookie’s family. She always spoke so highly of all of you, especially those “seven wonders”. She will be missed in Neighborhood 26.

Gina Richter 2022-01-06 12:26:45

My sympathy to Cookie's wonderful family. Cookie had such a gracious spirit of hospitality. I will never forget how she loved to serve people in her home; and how she greeted everyone everywhere with a smile. I truly enjoyed her, and feel blessed to have known her as my neighbor.

Dale Glanzman 2022-01-06 13:57:06

My prayers and thoughts are with all lucky enough to know her, and those even luckier to also have been loved by her.

Dot Taylor Beyrouthy 2022-01-06 15:15:43

My deepest condolences to Cookie's family. Cookie & I met our first day of HS in 1952. We were 2 nervous, scared young girls who met on that day and remained close friends through HS. We drifted apart after our marriages and reconnected through e'mails and FB. We didn't skip a beat, it was like we were never apart. She was just as friendly and warm as she was on the first day. Cook, I know you will be missed by your loving family and please include me in that family. Love you always, forever and a day. RIP and Fly with the Angels, because Heaven just got another one.

Krissy Patrician(Mazzeo) 2022-01-06 17:06:42

I will hold a special place in my heart for you, Mrs. B. -Forever. I will cherish all our family memories. You have started so many traditions that we still keep going in my family. I have nothing but LOVE for you and the Birkner family. I am beyond blessed to have grown up with your family by our side. Everything from our Easter egg hunts in your Living room, our Christmas poppers and hats, the Christmas pickle, our 3 December 4th birthday celebrations, & all the laughter we have shared. Thank you for all the memories and love along the way.

michele and Dennis and our children Rebecca,Adam,Andrew and Maria 2022-01-06 18:01:41

we all send our Prayers to your family. May you all find peace and comfort knowing that others are lifting up their prayers to the Lord for you remembering Aunt cookie and her joy for enthusiasm in all she did.

michele and Dennis and our children Rebecca,Adam,Andrew and Maria 2022-01-06 18:01:42

we all send our Prayers to your family. May you all find peace and comfort knowing that others are lifting up their prayers to the Lord for you remembering Aunt cookie and her joy for enthusiasm in all she did.

Patricia ferry 2022-01-06 18:05:20

We were friends since we were 12 years old,went on trips together had great adventures with our husbands and I will miss you terribly

Karen DiDolci Ketchem 2022-01-06 19:18:24

The world and our family has lost an elegant and fun loving woman. She and my Mom, her sister Angela, along with their sister Sandy, had a great love of travel and were very adventurous on their many trips. Sharing those memories of the traveling sisters was always a treat to hear. Your love of life, wit and support throughout my life has always been special to me. You will be sadly missed Aunt Cookie but you live on in all of us as well as the many lives you’ve touched. Rest In Peace my dear Godmother.

Mark, Nick, Dominic DiDolci 2022-01-06 19:44:56

Tricia,Roland and Susan. So sorry for the passing of your mom. All our prayers to get thru these next few days and to give you the joy in the years ahead of all the memories of your mom and dad you all had growing up

Kathleen Pott 2022-01-06 21:32:26

I send my deepest sympathy for your loss to Cookie’s family. She always spoke so highly of all of you, especially those “seven wonders”. She will be missed in Neighborhood 26.

Pigoni Family 2022-01-07 09:21:43

Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends and all the lives she touched.

Dale Glanzman 2022-01-07 09:26:40

My prayers and thoughts are with all lucky enough to know her, and those even luckier to also have been loved by her.

Betsy and Tony Nicosia 2022-01-07 11:33:03

We were so sorry to hear of Cookies's passing. Our sympathy and heart felt condolences to Tricia, Roland, Susan and your families, Roland as well as her sister Sandy. We will miss her big smile, conversations, wave across the street, and her kindnesses to Betsy's mother. A happy, loving person. May our friend rest in peace.

Betsy and Tony Nicosia 2022-01-07 11:37:26

We were so sorry to hear of Cookies's passing. Our sympathy and heart felt condolences to Tricia, Roland, Susan and your families, as well as her sister Sandy. We will miss her big smile, conversations, wave across the street, and her kindnesses to Betsy's mother. A happy, loving person. May our friend rest in peace.

Ken, Erin, Shannon and Braylen Chumbley 2022-01-07 11:55:51

Please know our sincerest condolences go out to our extended family during this time. Words will not erase the tears and hugs may not wipe away the pain, but hold on to your memories because forever they will remain. Cookie was a bright light that will never be extinguished. We love you and wish we could be there to comfort you today and every day.

Kathleen Pott 2022-01-17 10:27:20

I send my deepest sympathy for your loss to Cookie’s family. She always spoke so highly of all of you, especially those “seven wonders”. She will be missed in Neighborhood 26.