Jessie Grzelecki

Jessie Grzelecki, 102 passed away on December 5, 2025, just weeks short of her 103 birthday. She was born on January 10, 1923, in Poland, the youngest of nine children. She went on to marry John Grzelecki in 1947. Jessie, John and their daughter Irene left Germany in 1952 to move to the United States. After settling in Rockford, they started going to church and became longtime members of St. Edward Catholic Church. Jessie enjoyed many simple things in life – she bonded with her daughter in the family’s garden beds, looked forward to traveling to new places, and sneaking treats to the German Shepherd’s the family raised throughout the years.

Jessie is survived by her daughter Irene Grzelecki, numerous nieces and nephews in Poland, as well as many close friends here in Illinois. She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, John; all eight of her siblings, and sadly a few nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th St, Rockford, Illinois 61109. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois. Please consider memorials to be made to St. Edward in order to have Masses said in her name. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com