Melanie Ruth Wojtuliewicz, lived a full life from April 26, 1947, to February 20, 2026. After a brief but serious illness, Mel (as she was known to everyone who knew and loved her) passed peacefully. Born on the South Side of Chicago, Mel spent her 78 years teaching, traveling the world, gardening, going out with her "hen" group, and enjoying time with her family. Most importantly, she spent over 55 years with the love of her life, Anthony Crowe who preceded her in death just a few years back. There was not a day that went by that Mel did not speak of her Tony.
Melanie was one of five siblings. She is survived by siblings: Dennis Wojtuliewicz ( the late Charlene), and their daughter, Amy Helen Wojtuliewicz (Tom Gilmartin); who share son Tommy; Donna Sifling (Edward), along with daughter, Hilary Sifling; and two great-nephews Garion and Beren; Timothy Wojtulewicz (Kate) and their three children: Pam Wojtulewicz (Rett) and great niece Liz and great nephew Jack; Kim Wojtulewicz (Bill); and Maggie Wojtulewicz (Joe Murray); Mark Wojtulewicz (Marge) who have three children: Daniel Wojtulewicz (Joy) and share a beautiful daughter Lottie, Jane Wojtulewicz (Allen). Jane and Allen have a sweet daughter Maisie who Mel loved dearly and are expecting another child this summer. Michael Wojtulewicz is the last of Mel's beloved nieces and nephews.
After Tony passed, Mel relied heavily on her goddaughter Donna Kamuda (Keith). They loved eating out, sitting and talking for hours and were planning a few trips (unfortunately too late). Mel also enjoyed hours weekly with her good friend Kristie (Abel). Kristie was not only a very dear friend of Mel's, but helped her with appointment, groceries, and tasks around the house. Abel and Kristie's 2 boys Daniel and Nathan also showed Mel a lot of love. Jow Swila was also another very dear friend to Mel. He visited her often and helped her weekly around the house. In Mel's last hours, she had several close friends and family visit. This list is as accurate as possible in no particular order: Diane, Joe, Amy, Donna, Kristy, Jane, Allen, Tia, Bob, Yolanda, Pat, Judy, Patty, Dan, Rita, Karen, Carina and Estevan. Mel's neighbors Karen, Carina and Estevan helped Mel out all year long which she truly appreciated.
Mel will be cremated under the direction of Rago Brothers Funeral Homes, 7751 W Irving Park Rd. Her ashes will be buried per her direction in the grave of her beloved Tony. There will then be a headstone displayed "Tony & Mel". There will be a celebration of Life for Mel sometime this Spring. Donations can be made to the following if one so desires:
Neat Repeats Resale, operated by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, C/) Judith Hasson (or other representative of the charity if not available); and
The Ida B. Wells Memorial Foundation (EIN:95-4191108, c/o Daniel Duster, Great-Grandson of Ida B. Wells (or such other representative of the charity if not available)
Chicago Zoological Society (a/k/a Brookfield Zoo Chicago) (EIN: 36-2167016), 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513