Obituaries

Elena Sanchez Pusec, age 103, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Violet, in St. Charles, Illinois, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Elena was born on November 15, 1922, in Viña del Mar, Chile, to Otorino Sanchez and Elena Lopez. On November 12, 1955, she married the love of her life, Esteban Pusec, in Santiago, Chile.

In her early years, Elena proudly served as a nurse. After marrying Esteban, they briefly lived in Peru, where they raised their two children, Violet and Steve, before immigrating to the United States in the late 1960s in search of new opportunities.

Elena continued her nursing career in Chicago for more than 30 years, dedicating herself to caring for mothers and newborns as a labor, delivery, and pediatric nurse at Ravenswood Hospital. She truly loved her profession and treated every baby as though they were her own. She became known for knitting countless pink and blue hats and booties, which she lovingly gifted to newborns and their families.

Even while working long shifts—often back-to-back—and attending night classes to improve her English, Elena somehow always found time to knit those special keepsakes for the babies she cared for. Her kindness, compassion, and tireless work ethic touched the lives of countless families.

After being forced into retirement in her 60s, Elena remained active and committed to serving others. She lived in Schaumburg for many years, where she volunteered in resale shops, worked as a home health care nurse, and proudly served as a poll worker during elections.

Nothing brought Elena greater joy than spending time with her grandchildren, Nicholas, Carolina, and Elena. She cherished every moment she spent babysitting them and was affectionately known as “Abuelita,” later becoming simply “Tata”—a name that remained close to her heart. She was especially honored that her youngest granddaughter, Elena (“Elenita”), was named after her.

Elena also loved to travel, especially on cruises with her many friends. She embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and treasured the memories she made along the way. Another favorite pastime was visiting the casino, where her remarkable luck at the slot machines earned her the affectionate nickname, “The Lucky Lady.”

Independent and determined throughout her life, Elena continued driving until she was 95 years old. Later, she moved to a senior community in Hoffman Estates, where she remained resilient and optimistic. From 2018 through the end of 2025, as our beloved goddaughter Kathy said, Elena was truly a “warrior.”

Above all else, Elena will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her generous heart, her dedication to nursing, and the quiet acts of kindness that left a lasting impact on so many lives. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she cared for, the family she cherished, and the love she shared so freely.

Elena is survived by her children, Steve (Luz Stella) Pusec and Violet Pusec-Gdula; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Rachel), Carolina (Adam), and Elena; and her faithful cat, Whisper.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Esteban Pusec, and Violet’s husband, Gary Gdula, who passed away on July 1, 2023.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home St Charles A memorial service will follow at 12:30 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the services at Violet’s home in St. Charles.

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