Laura V. Panka

Laura V. Panka, age 55, of Chicago, beloved wife of James T. Blazek, passed away peacefully at their home on Friday, February 25. She was born in the Lithuanian community of Marquette Park to immigrant parents that came to America following World War II. Laura grew up speaking both languages and was surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. She worked several years for the Chicago Reader newspaper before enrolling in culinary school and then spent 25 years as a chef at Equity Group Investments. She also operated her own catering business with a roster of Gold Coast clients who appreciated her talent and drive for perfection. Laura loved outsider art, music, travel, food, and good conversation. Wherever she went, people were drawn to her beauty, wit, charm, and generosity. She was preceded in death by her mother Birute Panka nee Laureckis and her father Julius Panka. In addition to Jim, her husband of 31 years, she leaves behind two older brothers, Arthur and Tommy, both from the Chicagoland area, and numerous cousins.  The memorial service will be on June 14th from 4-8 pm. at Cooney Funeral Home 3918 W. Irving Park Rd. Memorial visitation will be held on June 15th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church  4640 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL with a Mass at 11:00 am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Breast Cancer Research Foundationhttps://www.bcrf.org/   For further information please contact Cooney funeral home. (773) 588-5850

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