City Council July 20, 2022
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Joan Kungis has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God to her eternal reward; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Nicole T. Lee, Alderwoman of the 11th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born Jasia Matulis in Oharewicze, Poland (now Belarus) on December I, 1936. She became a war refugee at the age of 2 and didn't have a real home until the age of 19-lhey resided in war camps. This war would take her familys'journey from Siberia, Uzbekistan, Persia. Karachi, India, Liverpool and eventually to the United States. Bom one of six children and one of three that survived the ravages of war and starvation; and
WHEREAS, She worked until the age of 82 wearing heels, lipstick and hair always done. After a lifetime of displacement, she only wanted to travel to her "happy" place- their beloved summer home in Sister Lakes Michigan. She enjoyed sunshine, watering her flowers and endless rides around the lake on the pontoon. She would rather have a meaningful conversation at her kitchen table than eat in a fancy restaurant. She could keep a secret and never repeat a word which made her everyone's confidant. She never smoked or drank and was elegant and ladylike but never boring. She loved to play cards and gamble and always seemed to win (which is where the no drinking probably came in handy.) She couldn't watch a telethon or see a child with cancer without crying and sending a donation. She loved cars, drove fast and blared her radio to Pink, Gwen Stefani. The Doobie Brothers and Pavarorti. She was a 25 year cancer survivor and 5 feet 3 inches of pure warrior- especially at the end. She was beautiful and generous - she was our heartbeat, our life and our love. She left us on Mother's Day in true Joannie style making a statement and joining her own mother. It was still your day and we celebrated a life well lived. We wear our pain like a badge of honor because it means we loved you the way you deserved to be loved; and
WHEREAS, Her love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Joan to her family members, friends and all who knew her, and enabled her to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twentieth of July 2022, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Joan Kungis and extend to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
Nicole T. Lee Alderwoman, 1 1th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joan Kungis.