Dawn Jarosz

The family of Dawn Patrice Jarosz nee Surma is saddened to announce her sudden passing May 3, 2025 in Park Ridge, Illinois at the age of 62. Predeceased family members include her father, Walter Surma and brother, Jeffrey Surma. The surviving family include her mother, Corrine Surma nee Patke and partner Algis Ankus, sister, Carla Surma, and brother, Scott Surma, nephews, Michael, Frankie and Adam, niece, Samantha, Aunt Susan and Uncle Randall Patke and many cherished cousins. Dawn is also survived by her partner, Ken Hogue and ex-spouse, Larry Jarosz.

An avid outdoorswoman, Dawn loved to travel and especially loved Hawaii. Known as “Maui Mama”, she was happy to read for hours on the beach, snorkel, or enjoy deep-sea fishing. Her active lifestyle started in high school at Lane Tech where she was an elite athlete, excelling in both volleyball and tennis, but her ultimate passion became golf. Her fierce competitiveness and determined nature resulted in achievement in sports but also in business. Dawn worked her way up from airline ticket agent to a senior analyst for Fortune 500 companies.

Dawn was an exceptional baker, lover of wines and the unofficial supervisor of the family pierogi assembly line for holidays. Her mint chocolate chip cookies were legendary as was her lemon pound cake, and she took great pride in her reigning dynasty as champion Rib Master at the annual family Ribfest competition. An admitted shoeaholic, Dawn loved shopping for herself and had an incredible talent for getting just the right gift for others. She loved the arts and possessed a discerning eye for quality and beautiful pieces. What made Dawn so very special was that she never hesitated to help a family member or friend in need. Her ability to provide the right help when it was needed was surpassed only by her generous heart. 

The family invites you to celebrate Dawn’s life with a visitation on Saturday May 17th from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at which time a memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, it was Dawn’s wish that donations be made to the American Heart Association or Ocean Conservancy. 

For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com 

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