Susan Marie Paniak, 78, of Algonquin, passed away July 21, 2024, at Journey Care in Barrington after a long and patient battle with cancer.
She was born on March 13, 1946, to Marie and Charles Blaul in Chicago.
On July 22, 1972, Susan married her “darling” husband Bernie Paniak at St. William Church in Chicago. Their life together was faith-filled; one of caring and generosity. While living in Arlington Heights, Susan and Bernie, over a period, temporarily and lovingly cared for eleven newborn babies through Catholic Charities in Chicago.
In 1978, they made the decision to move to Algonquin with the prospect of St. Margaret Mary building a new church, this evacuating the current location in the basement of the school. They anticipated their son attending the school. This later resulted in Susan working with Fr. William McDonnell for fifteen years as a new church building secretary along with other positions.
Susan also worked for twenty years as a front desk receptionist for Dr. James Massaro at Cary Grove Foot and Ankle Center.
Susan was a loving, devoted and active member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin from August of 1978 until this current year when her illness prevented her participation. She served as a President of the parish Altar and Rosary Society. With a seven-woman team, she presented the first “Christ Renews His Parish” retreat for parish women. She was a member of Lend-A-Heart, a Sunday Mass greeter, a Eucharistic Minister, and a liturgical reader. Susan also volunteered at the parish Resale Shop, helped with Meals on Wheels delivery and the Algonquin-LITH food pantry. She volunteered at PADS in Cary, and with a SMM team cooked and served for those in need at Vineyard Church in Elgin. She served for eight years as a Eucharistic visitation minister to the care facilities of Eastgate and Clarendale in Algonquin.
Of primary importance to Susan was daily Mass attendance and Eucharistic Adoration with Bernie. She had a deep devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It was sustenance in her family life, her work, ministries, and her final days.
Susan was always deeply grateful for the support of her devoted husband, family, many friends, and the Franciscan Friars at St. Margaret Mary. Most recently that gratitude is extended to the staff and volunteers at Journey Care in Barrington.
Susan is survived by her loving husband, Bernie, her beloved son, Ronald, treasured granddaughter, Maya Paniak; bonus grandsons, Lucas and Shane Wysocki; loved daughter-in-law Kelly; cherished sister, Cecelia (Dale Kostreva) of Crivitz, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews and great little ones.
She was predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Marianne Pick) and Jerry (Dixie William).
Visitation will be at St. Margaret Mary Church on Thursday, July 25, 2024, for the hour prior to the Holy Mass at 11:00 am.
Burial will be at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Cemetery in Fox River Grove.
Memorials may be made to the St. Margaret Mary Parish reduction debt or the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Holy Mass offerings are also appreciated.
The Funeral Mass will be lived streamed https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_iPQKGd_GrYnNEpFKw_L6g
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my deepest sympathy to Bernie and her Family. Susan witnessed daily to the love of Christ for his people. She will be deeply missed by all she cared for so lovingly.
My condolences to Bernie , Ron and the entire family. I was a friend to Susan's older brothers, Jerry and Tom. Susan was a devoted and caring person. Susan was very devoted to her Faith and Christian principals. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Bernie and the entire family along with her sister Cecilia. As a young boy, along with my family, we enjoyed having Susan and her immediate family (The Blauls) as our close, nextdoor neighbors. All were so much fun to visit with regularly. I miss them all and most recently Susan. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers to Bernie, Ron, Maya, and the rest of the family. We were so blessed to have known Susan and we firmly believe that the Lord has welcomed her to paradise. God Bless!
Bernie, Ron and family, sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sympathies and prayers. Susan did so much for her faith and Church. She was a great example for all of us.
Our sincere prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Paniak family. I(Suzanne) have fond memories of Susan from working at the resale shop. She would "float" in with a smile on her face and instantly brighten everyone's day! Bernie- know we are truly sorry for your loss. May your fond memories bring you peace.
sue was a friend she and bernie would bring communion to my husband when he was sick they both are very blessed to have each other and i am very blessed to have known them both be strong bernie hope your bee bombs are blooming i will pray for her she was a wonderful and kind person love pat z
Susan and Bernie have always been "Mr. and Mrs. St. Margaret Mary" to me from our earliest days together. Together, we shared ministry, pilgrimages, life and love in the Lord. I have never known anyone like Susan, I have loved hear dearly and she will always be a "pearl of great worth" in my heart. She affirmed our family as the children grew, and gave Malaysian stamps to our son. I thank the Lord for bringing her into our lives 30 years ago. May she now "see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2
We were heartbroken to learn of Susan’s passing. Our family was blessed to become acquainted with her through her service at Clarendale. Her faithful attendance and generous spirit, even while stoically battling her illness with such dignity, made a deep impression on us. Susan will be an inspiration and model of grace and piety forever. We are deeply grateful for her service and quiet guidance. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to Susan’s family.