Maria Jean Kula

Maria “Jean” Kula, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, with her family at her side.

Maria “Jean” was born in Poland and was the eldest of twelve children. Her life was deeply rooted in faith, family, love, and her Polish heritage. Family—both immediate and extended—was at the heart of her everyday life. She was an exceptional cook who lovingly shared meals with others, finding her greatest joy in bringing everyone together for Sunday family dinners.

Beloved wife of the late Frank J. Kula; loving mother of Theresa (Jim) McGlynn, Mary (Tom) Franceschini, Christine (Dave) Celovsky, Frank Kula Jr., Sharon (Joe) Kastelic, Mark (Shannon) Kula, Lisa (Joe) Buczyna and Cindy (Tom) Markun; her adored grandchildren, Ashley (Dave) Mazur, Gabrielle and Jacob McGlynn, Luke Celovsky, Frankie IIl and Eva Kula, Andrew, Isabella, Maggie and Markie Kula, Nicholas Buczyna, Grace, Tommy, Michael and Christopher Markun; cherished great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Christian, Everly and Preston Mazur; dearest daughter to the late Stefania and the late Walter Tomala; proud sister of the late Chester (Kathy) Tomala, Irene (Stanley) Ciesla, Josephine (Joseph Gal), Lottie (Bruno) Koziel, John (Lottie) Tomala, Joseph (Ruth) Tomala, Helena (Ahmad) Saadeh, the late Christine and (the late John) Budz, Andrew (Cindy) Tomala, Stanley (Deborah) Tomala and Donna (John) Nowobilski; and fond aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Anna for the compassionate care she provided. We would also like to thank the dedicated staff at Lightways Hospice for their kindness, support and care.

A celebration of Maria’s life will begin on Sunday, April 12, 2026 with a visitation at Tezak’s Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends to gather on Monday, April 13th at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski St., Lemont, where Maria will lie-in-state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial, to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at SS. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Lemont.