Theresa Dudek Schneider, 88, passed away on June 2, 2024, in Barrington, IL.
Theresa Dudek Schneider was born on May 7, 1936 in Chicago, IL, to Joseph Dudek and Angeline Dudek. Theresa’s first language was Polish as her parents immigrated from Poland and she learned English as she started Kindergarten in Chicago, IL. Theresa went on to teach both her parents English as well. Theresa graduated from Mundeline High School in Chicago in 1954 and went on to earn a Business Degree from Northwestern University in 1958. She started her career in spring manufacturing for her family’s business and eventually went on to become President of Dudek & Bock Spring Manufacturing company. Theresa married Jack Schneider in Chicago, IL in 1963. Theresa devoted her life and energy to raising their 4 children and 11 grandchildren: John Schneider (spouse Cindy Kroger) grandchildren Hayley, Alexandra and Brendan. Mary Schneider-Onesto (spouse Christopher Onesto) grandchildren Christina and Danielle. Suzy Schneider Stoneburner (spouse John Stoneburner) grandchildren Samantha and Amanda. Elizabeth Schneider Duff (spouse Christopher Duff) grandchildren Angeline, Emily, Laury and Madison. Theresa was best known for her love and respect for her family’s business started by her father Joseph Dudek in Chicago, IL in 1947. She was loved and respected by the hundreds of employees in both the Chicago, IL and Saltillo, MX locations.
She was a music enthusiast, poker player, outdoor adventurer and world traveler. She loved traveling the world with her husband and vacationing with her family in Siesta Key, Florida and Grand Haven, Michigan. Theresa had a unique spiritual connection and spent many winters in Arizona where she loved meditation, reflection and walks in the desert. Theresa fully embraced and enjoyed life. She did not waste her time on trifles but lived in the present being authentically herself every day. She was a wonderful role model as was clear in her patience, love and gratitude for all who had known her. Theresa was a strong woman and a strong advocate for women’s rights. She began to influence the lives of young girls as a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader and went on to plan women’s weekends for her daughters and granddaughters to teach them the important role of women. Her strong moral values, dedication, discipline and proactive approach to challenges taught those around her how to navigate life with grace and peace. Her spirit and way of life will continue to thrive through the lives of those who knew her. “God is Good, God is Great.”
Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Angeline Dudek, her husband Jack and her daughter Suzy.
The service for Mrs. Theresa Dudek Schneider will be held on June 11, at 10am at St. Edna’s parish in Arlington Heights, IL 2525 N Arlington Heights Road. Visitation on Monday June 10th at 3PM-8PM at Glueckert Funeral Home,1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Burial: Robinson Township Cemetery, Grand Haven, Michigan later this summer.
Memorial donations can be made in Theresa’s name to United Cerebral Palsy and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
