Antoinette M. Pucel

Antoinette Marie “Dolly” Pucel (née Sustersich), 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Joliet.

Born and raised in Rockdale, Antoinette was the beloved daughter of Anton and Antonia Sustersich (née Gerbin), who preceded her in death. She grew up in Rockdale and made St. Joseph Church in Rockdale her church home, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

Antoinette was a proud graduate of Joliet Township High School. After graduation, she began working at Perkins, which was later sold to General Foods. She worked full time until her marriage to Edward Pucel on June 21, 1958. As a devoted military wife to Edward, who served in a career military role, she spent several years living in Europe, embracing the experiences and friendships that came with military life.

Above all, Antoinette cherished her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Michael (Evelyn) Pucel, Brian (Carole) Pucel, and Andrea (Richard†) Stroud.

Her grandchildren: Nicholas (Tina) Pucel, Amanda Pucel, Lee (Carie Ann) Pucel, Jenny (Tom) Fulton, Sara (Tim) DeGroot, Rachel (Josh) Kasper, Brandé Stroud, Heather Stroud, and Richard Stroud Jr.

Her great-grandchildren: Elijah Pucel, Norah Pucel, Kylah Pucel, Micah Pucel, Brennah Pucel, Hanna DeGroot, Julia DeGroot, Sawyer Kasper, Charlotte Kasper, Amaris Renteria and Alex Tijerina.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Pucel and her sisters: Emily (Jacob) Baltas, Elsie (Fran) Plese, and Polly Vargako.

Funeral services were held privately.