Maria Derewonko

Maria Derewonko was born in Coburg, Germany, after World War II, in a refugee camp on February 25th, 1946. On January 10, 1952, she and her family arrived in the United States through Ellis Island, eventually settling in Chicago, Illinois, where they built a new life together.

Maria cherished her memories of both childhood and adulthood. She took great pride in her work at Motorola and Bally Manufacturing, where she found joy in her craft and the friendships she made.

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Addison, Illinois, Maria was deeply involved in her church community. She shared her faith by teaching catechism for over ten years, touching the lives of many children and families.

Maria was known for her love of traditional Polish cooking, especially during the holidays. Her homemade pierogis, gołąbki, crescent cookies, and famous orange Jello mold with peaches were the highlight of every gathering. Her culinary creations—and the love she poured into them—will be dearly missed.

She also had a lifelong fondness for Hershey bars; a simple joy rooted in a cherished childhood memory: the day American soldiers handed out Hershey chocolate bars in the refugee camp. To her, that moment represented hope, kindness, and the sweetness of life.

Maria faced Alzheimer’s disease with grace and strength for five years before passing peacefully on October 4, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her Tata Jan Furman and Mamusia Domicela (Reucka) Furman; her siostra, Alexandra (Kazimierz) Brenski; and her brat, Edward Furman.

Maria is survived by her devoted daughter and only child, Bernadette (Joe) Bennici; and was a proud Babcia to her beloved grandchildren, Nicolette, Michael, Anna, and Alex; and her great-grandchildren, Ava, Vada, and Anari. She is also survived by her last surviving sibling, Johann (Peggy) Furman, and will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews: Adam (Donna) Brenski, Michael (Ramona) Brenski, Lucy (Edward) Jozefiak, Angelique (Allen) Wagner, John Paul “JP” (Kamille) Furman, Jennifer (Chris) Cole, the late Melissa Furman, and Antoinette Hornsby, as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Maria’s legacy of faith, love, and family will live on in all who were blessed to know her. Her warmth and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Visitation: Monday, October 13, 2025, from 9:00AM – 12:00PM at Szykowny Funeral Home Ltd. 4901 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60632

Final Resting Place: Resurrection Cemetery, 7100 S Archer Rd, Justice, IL, 60453