Elly Pinkowski

Elly Pinkowski, age 91, of Palatine, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025. Originally from Langenbach, Germany, Elly immigrated to the United States and began her new life in Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Karl, in an English class. She always said it was love at first sight. The couple later settled in the Chicagoland area and raised three children.

Elly was known for her quiet strength, thoughtful nature, and deep devotion to her family. She was an avid knitter and passionate gardener, finding joy in creating and nurturing. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

She was the beloved wife of the late Karl Pinkowski; cherished mother of Kenn (Deborah) Pinkowski, Dori (Ray) Pinkowski-Cabrera, and the late Karen (the late James) Ziegler; loving grandmother of Justin Cabrera, Tyler Cabrera, Olivia Dorman, Emily (Maxim) Efimova, and Dylan Cabrera. Elly was the devoted daughter of the late Edmund and Helen Schmidt, and the caring sister of Cornelia Farber and Ingeborg Jillich. She will also be remembered as a fond aunt and loyal friend to many.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 12:30 PM, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Family and friends are invited to gather at 2:00 PM inside the gates of Irving Park Cemetery, 7777 Irving Park Road, Chicago, for interment. For information, please call 847-359-8020.

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