Cecilia M "Cele". Popek

(Nee Kijowski)

Age 103, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021, at her home. She began working at an early age and had many jobs during her lifetime. For many years she and her husband, Frank, owned and operated the Dairy Topper, an ice cream and BBQ shop in Joliet. After the Diary Topper closed in 1992, Cele began to sell flowers out of her garage and was known by her customers as the "Flower Lady", she loved seeing the customers come back year after year. Cele continued to sell flowers until she retired at the tender age of 100. Most of all, Cele loved spending time with children, grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. Cele loved to share stories about growing up with her nine brothers and sisters. Cele was very proud of her Polish heritage. She had the opportunity to visit relatives in Poland on more than one occasion. She enjoyed cooking authentic Polish dishes with her family and loved to polka.

Preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank; parents, Michael and Angela Kijowski; siblings, Frank Kijowski, Edward Kijowski, Walter (Stella)Kijowski, Mary (Elmer) Berg, Sophie (John) Wall, Helen (Llyod) Finefield, Joanne (Ralph) Bleuer, Leo (Helen) Kijowski and Michael (Donna) Kijowski.

Survived by her children, Frank (Rosilynn) Popek, Shirley (George) Morris, Jack (Nancy) Popek, and David (Cheryl) Popek; grandchildren, Dana (Ian) King, Alex Popek, Angela (Bob) Kot, Michele Morris, Jacob Popek, Daniel Popek, Carrianne Popek, Michael Popek, and Matthew Popek; great-grandchildren, Meredith King, Hayden King, Nicholas Kot, Frankie Kot, and M.J. Kot; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their thanks to Adrianna and the entire staff of Transitions Hospice for their care.

Cecilia has belonged to St. Joseph's church in Lockport for many years, and her four children graduated from St Joseph's school. If you would like to send a donation in honor of Cecilia, please send it to St. Joseph School, 529 Madison St. Lockport, IL 60441.

Funeral Monday, January 3, 2022, at 9:15 am in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441 with Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church, Lockport at 10:00 am. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Joliet. Visitation Sunday at the funeral home, January 2, 2022, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.