We had to say goodbye to our beloved mother and grandmother, Sylvia Penovich, on April 17, 2024. We weren't ready. How could you ever be ready to say goodbye to someone who loved you with her whole heart, day in and day out, for your entire life?

Sylvia Penovich was born on November 22, 1947 in Elizabeth, NJ to Willard and Lorraine (nee Parker) Domaratius. A few years later, they moved to Chicago and lived with her beloved Nana and namesake, Sylvia Parker, before settling in Park Ridge, IL. Growing up, Sylvia always described herself as a tomboy who loved playing various sports. Sometimes the tomboy image is hard to reconcile with the mom we know, who was always ladylike and glamorous.

For 42 years, Sylvia was a passionate teacher and reading specialist. She loved traveling and being near the ocean. Her favorite places were Greece and Marco Island, FL. She enjoyed staying active with yoga and aqua aerobics, and you'd never find her without at least one book. She was such an avid reader that when we traveled before the time of e-readers, she dedicated an entire suitcase to books so she had enough to read for the trip!

She used to say when other girls of her generation were young, it seemed their biggest dreams were of their future husband and wedding day. Sylvia's biggest dream was always to be a mother. The happiest days of her life were when her two daughters, and then her 3 grandchildren were born.  We can confidently say she succeeded at that dream by being the most wonderful mother.  Sylvia's greatest joy in life was spending time with her daughters and their families. She always relayed how incredibly lucky she felt to live close enough to be a part of their daily lives.  She was the proudest and most loving grandmother who never missed an opportunity to be around her grandchildren.

Sylvia was a dear sister to Bill and Steve Domaratius, and cherished sister-in-law to Beatrice (Tim) Murphy, Anthony (Lei) Penovich and Jeff Penovich. She was preceded in death by her parents Willard and Lorraine Domaratius, her older brother Willard (Bill) Domaratius, and her ex-husband Gerald "Fritz" Penovich. She is survived by her daughters Melissa (Tony) Smith and Alexandra (Michael) Weiser, her three adoring grandchildren, Savannah Weiser, Mason and Lily Smith, as well as her younger brother Stephen Domaratius. Her beautiful smile is unforgettable and will be forever missed by her family and loving friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Funeral Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Nelson Funeral Home 820 Talcott, Park Ridge, IL with a process to St. Padre Pio Parish at the Church of St. Hilary, 5601 N. California Ave., Chicago. Funeral Mass to begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the Mass, a process to Town of Maine Cemetery in Park Ridge for graveside committal prayers and interment. For information, Nelson Funeral Home at 847-823-5122 or www.nelsonfunerals.com

"Fear no more the heat o' the sun

Nor the furious winter's rages,

Thou thy worldly task thou hast done,

Home art gone and ta'en thy wages.

Golden lads and girls all must,

As chimney-sweepers, come to dust."

-William Shakespeare

Cymbeline, Act 4, Scene 2

(Our mother was a planner and Shakespeare lover, leaving directions for us to include this quote)