Obituaries
Laska Meri Notz-Johnson
March 29, 1940 - April 27, 2020
- Funeral
-
Funeral Mass
will be at a Latter Date: -
Burial Location
Resurrection Cemetery, Geneva, Illinois
Laska Meri Notz-Johnson, (nee Farbiak) was joined with the heavenly Father on April 27, 2020. She was born on March 29, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, and was one of three children to her parents Lukas and Amelia Farbiak.
Laska’s family relocated to Chicago, IL in 1945. She graduated from Austin High School in 1958 and enjoyed keeping up with her closest girlfriends from grammar and high school in her women’s “club.” They continued to get together on a regular basis for over 50 years. Her closest and dearest friend, whom she called her “chosen sister,” Pat Bugielski, continued the tradition with her up until her final days.
She married her first love, whom she started dating when she was 13, Edward Notz, in 1960, and they had four daughters. Together they built a life that was one for the books. In 1976, they bought land and built their dream home in St. Charles. Together, they poured their blood, sweat, and tears into cultivating their two-acre property from the ground up. Both of them had green thumbs, and they planted over 100 trees and a vast vegetable garden that flourished. Whether they were relaxing at their pool, swimming, or fishing on their private lake – the family always gathered at their home to spend time together. Sunday family dinners were not only a tradition, but an expectation. Laska was a consummate host and always loved entertaining. Everyone was welcome to her table, often her children would invite their friends and coworkers to family dinners, once you were seated you were considered family and welcome to return anytime. In 1996, her beloved husband, Ed, tragically passed away and she became a widow.
With the sudden passing of her husband, she started rediscovering herself in her fifties. She turned to her best friends for support and engaged in activities like volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Elgin) and was a hostess (as well as a member) of the St. Charles Moose Lodge 1368. This is where she met her second husband, Lauren Johnson. They married in 2001. The Moose was their common ground and one of their favorite places; their spot for Friday night Fish Fry, karaoke, and to socialize with friends. Together, they shared a love for cruising in the Corvette, traveling and camping in their fifth wheel, and watching classic movies on AMC.
Faith, family, and tradition were everything to her. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (St. Charles) where she volunteered and was also a Eucharistic Minister.
One of her daughters, Diana, was born with Down Syndrome, and required additional therapy, love, and patience in her upbringing. Laska made it her life’s work to support her daughter in every way possible. This included volunteer and fundraising efforts for the Valley Sheltered Workshop, a non-profit organization that provides work opportunities to those with disabilities, in Batavia. She held various board positions such as Treasurer and Vice President. She also volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics.
Keeping traditions alive were very important to her. Holiday meals and baking were where she really shined. Just as her parents taught her, she taught her daughters and grandchildren about their Slovakian family recipes to ensure they would continue to be carried down to future generations. She found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and being a best friend, cheerleader, and keeper of their secrets. Her love for them was boundless, and she spoiled them endlessly.
Laska had a smile and a laugh and would light up any room she entered. Everyone that knew her always commented about what a caring and compassionate person she was. She was often just a phone call away for many friends and family members to lend an ear. She truly lived life as a Christian and was always willing to help people.
When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she answered for her children and grandchildren, of whom she was most proud. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Notz, her parents, and brother, William (Darlene) Farbiak. She is survived by her husband, Lauren Johnson, brother, Bernie (Judy) Farbiak; children, Lori (Steve) Sarto; Janet (Alan) Bednarek; Diana Notz, and Elizabeth (Kevin) Dunphy. She also is survived by two stepchildren: Lauren (Tracie) Johnson and Lincoln (Stephanie) Johnson. As well as eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Marcus) Benavidez, Edward (Denise) Sarto, and Ashley Sarto; Brendan and Sean Dunphy, Christopher, Daniel, and Caitlyn Bednarek, and Gracie, Bella, Kyra and Kaylee Johnson. She also is survived by five great-granddaughters – Sophia and Gianna Benavidez and Daniella, Amelia, and Piper Sarto.
The family will hold a mass, funeral, and celebration of Laska’s life at a later time when we all can safely gather.
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Kari Cotton from Aurora, IL
"What an absolutely beautiful obituary for a woman with a wonderful life and beautiful family. I loved her will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you- always."
Bernie Judy Farbiak from Schaumburg , IL
"Beautiful tribute to our sister Laska. I’m glad you are now pain free and in a better place. Just know you are loved and will be missed. Thank you for all you have done for your family. Rest In Peace With all our love, Bernie and Judy"
John McJunkin from Des Plaines, IL
"So sorry for your loss. These are difficult times and made so much harder by our current Covid challenge. I always felt she was a wonderful person and I didn’t even know a fraction of just how amazing she was. She will be missed by many souls that she has touched in her life, knowingly or not. May you find some peace in knowing she will always be watching over you."
Joyce (Dale) Bowdish from Florissant , MO
"Dear precious family of Laska, we are so very sorry of your loss. Although she is gone, she will definitely not be forgotten. We have so many precious memories of her and it's those precious memories to reflect and cherish when the sad times come. Just know that we are here for you, to hug you, to cry with you, and love you. Please take care of each other and know she is in a much better place, free from pain, sorrow, and illness. We will continue to hold you up in kind thoughts and prayers from today forward. We love you!"
Tom Gibbd from Houston , TX
"I send my love and prayers Stephanie and Marcus. May God bless you with her memories in your heart always."
Audrey Krahulec-Kerr from Port Colborne, Ontario Canada, AK
"On behalf of the Krahulec family, I'd like to express sincere condolences to all of Laska's family. You expressed a life well spent in your beautiful tribute to her. I remember many a K Cousin's Reunion enjoying her company. Peace be with you."
Marcia Wolak from Hoffman Estates, IL
"I always admired Laska in the way she managed to stay so happy and so busy with her family. Whoever put together the obituary did a spot-on job. Although I have lost touch with her over the last decade, I often reflect on those happy occasions when the entire family gathered and shared in their warmth and laughter. Laska's immediate family and her extended family would always embrace you as their own. It was an honor to know this woman in my lifetime."
Paul Krahulec from Bailey, CO
"Sorry for your loss, made more difficult during this strange time we all are facing. Its my thought that after reading the obituary, your Mom would just take all of this in stride, she was a strong woman that didn't let much get in her way."
John Flaska from Lake Elmo, MN
"We were very sorry to hear about Laska. We always enjoyed seeing her and the family when we still lived in Chicago. Our mom and dad (Joe and Anne) also enjoyed their visits."
Shirley and Walt Brownley from Schaumburg, IL
"Bernie and Judy, we were so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. We just wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 😘😘🙏🙏"
Christine Brophy from Montgomery Village , MD
"I never had the honor of meeting Laska but have the great pleasure of being a close friend with her daughter. After reading her story feel like I know the parts of her that live on in her amazing daughter Elizabeth. It is never easy when such a beautiful person leaves this world. My sincerest condolences to you all."
Amity Green from Batavia, IL
"I got to know Laska through the Moose and had the wonderful opportunity to care for her as a nurse later in her life. She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever known. My heart and thoughts are with your family during this time."
Ashley Wiebe from Hampshire , IL
"I only knew Meri a short time but I was honored to be her caregiver. She always had a smile on her face when I came in in the morning. Gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek when I left and told me she loved me. She made me feel like apart of the family. I will always remember her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
Judy Gehringer from Hampshire , IL
"So sorry, Lori. May your Mom rest in peace ❤"
Cynthia Jones from Mundelein, IL
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this most beautiful soul. Although I never had the honor of meeting Laska, I know through my interactions with her daughter, Elizabeth, that she was a wonderful role model and was very loved."
Lee and Dayle Falk from St Charles, IL
"Loren, our deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. She was a wonderful lady and you were blessed to have her in your life all these years. You take care of yourself."
Todd Farbiak from Huntley, IL
"I will always remember Aunt Laska as loving and welcoming. You were always welcomed if you showed up unannounced, almost as if she was expecting you. You certainly had to stay for her wonderful home cooked meals. Your tribute was very touching and beautiful. She will be dearly missed by all of our family! One most important lesson she taught and expressed, family is everything!! We love you Aunt Laska!"
Victoria NUghton from The Villages, FL
"Meri was one of the most compassionate lady I have ever known, so happy to have her in my life and so honored to celebrate her wedding day to Lauren ."