Valeria Busse

Valeria Busse, known to her friends and family as Val, Ma, or Busia, passed away on August 14, 2022 at the age of 97. Valeria was born in Chicago and grew up at Holy Trinity Polish Catholic Church near Division Street. She was a friendly, warmhearted woman who frequently said, “I love you so much,” to her many friends and family members. When Valeria was 17 years old, she married Sylvester Busse, with whom she had seven children. She had a great relationship with her sisters-in-law Helen Pukala and Gerri Pukala, and the Busse and Pukala families spent countless weekends together as they were raising their children. Valeria’s passion in life was polka dancing which she did regularly for over 80 years with her husband, her best friend Lottie, and countless others. She was warm and upbeat on the dance floor, but she liked to lead. Some of her most-loved polka dances include Beer Barrel Polka and the Chicken Dance Polka. Her favorite band leader was Li’l Richard, a performer who played weddings and local clubs. When she was a young grandmother, Valeria still danced professionally every Saturday on WCIU Channel 26 TV which would tape the show and air it on Sunday afternoons, which frequently coincided with Valeria hosting her extended family for homemade pierogis, golumpkis, and kielbasa. Valeria is survived by five children, Sandy, Carol, Marty, Bob, and Bruce; as well as 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Sign guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries.