Winifred Jacqueline Hajic

WINIFRED JACQUELINE HAJIC - August 18, 1930 - May 11, 2014 Winifred Jacqueline Hajic, 83, died Mother's Day morning May 11, 2014 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. She is survived by her loving family: husband Earl J Hajic & three sons - Gregory J (Barbara), Kenneth J (Christine Alexander) and Steven J (Margaret); and her latest two joys - grandson Zachary J and step great-grandaughter Sofia Alexander. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry L & Evelyn E Schwenker (nee De Klyen) of Rosemead, CA, her grandmother Catherine De Klyen and her Uncle Charles Novak & Mabel De Klyen Novak. Within the De Klyen and Schwenker families there are many that Winifred corresponded with. They include: Donna Brown, Carl De Klyen, Joanne Elsheimer, Tom Gill, Lois Robertson, Virginia St John and Nancy Sisco. Winifred (aka Meme, Winkie, Wynn) was born in Chicago, IL August 18, 1930. In early years, she was raised in Berwyn IL by her parents and, in most of her formative years, by her uncle Charles Novak & aunt Mabel De Klyen Novak (children Kathleen & Karl) and by her grandmother Catherine De Klyen of Berwyn, IL. She graduated from J Sterling Morton High School (Cicero, IL) in 1948 and J S Morton Jr College (Cicero, IL) in 1950 (AA). Winifred met Earl at the Berwyn Bible Church (earlier Berwyn Gospel Center). Winifred was in Pioneer Girls and became a leader while in her teen years. Winifred & Earl were married on June 6, 1953 in Chicago. They lived in Berwyn until 1954, Riverside, CA from 1954 to 1961 and in Santa Barbara 1961 to present. She and Earl were members of the Riverside Bible Church and Grace Church of Santa Barbara (later - Shoreline Community Church). She enjoyed weekly church & home participation with several Bible Study Groups - one an array of some 10 to 12 ladies, diverse in Church of choice yet cohesive in their faith in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit was led by Margo Jamison. Others were led by Rev Keith Hood, Rev Anton Hoffman, Rev Paul Wilt, Rev Roy Takaya, Denys Clarke, Dr George Bate, Dr Arthur Lynip and Dr Ronald Enroth In addition to gently sharing & pursuing her faith, Winifred lived an active life during and after raising their three sons. Many times she did it alone when Earl was gone on business trips. Each son lovingly contributed to her life, often in uniquely talented ways. She enjoyed reading Gothic mysteries, completing crossword and scenic puzzles, sewing & knitting, cooking & baking, shopping, bowling, swimming at Westmont and strolling on the beach collecting stones & shells with one or more of the family. She was a caregiver to many. She especially enjoyed the company of family and close friends. Noteworthy family reunions were in diverse locales: our home, Jackson Hole WY, Taos Ski Village NM, a three story apartment near Wrigley Field in Chicago and Cottontail Creek Ranch near Cayucos CA. Vacations were to: IL for days with: cousin Karl (Marilyn and children Meredith and Christopher), HI with Kathy Novak (Gary Kirby), IL with sister in law Phyllis J Hajic Smetana (Frank & children Robert & Carol J) and brother in law Edgar R Hajic (Carol Whyte and children Linda & Edwin).Then to Europe (with Earl) after her 'retirement' with weeks to London (1991) - a longtime dream - where she enjoyed High Tea, Kew Gardens & nearby villages and to Prague (1997), Bohemia & Moravia (Czech Republic) and Slovakia. Host & driver: Carol Jean Smetana, FSO US Dept of State, London & Prague. Longtime friends to her home uplifted her life - Dr Charles & Ms Winnie Heidenreich, Carl & Bev Zupic, Barbara & Ed Vernon, Denys & Maxine Clarke and more. Winifred was very fond of all children and readily waved & talked to them often bypassing a nearby adult. Winifred was an avid baseball fan (Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers). Until her last 2 days, she spent many pleasurable hours in the Hajic backyard as umpire and scorer. Winifred was diagnosed with CLL c. 2002. She began treatments in mid 2012 to present as needed. She succumbed rapidly in her last two days near various members of her loving family.In the last two years the Hajic Family has seen vast medical resources and dedicated personnel. We thank each and all who helped Winifred during her journey, especially Dr Michael A Bordofsky and Dr Daniel R Greenwald. They provided their medical skills, wisdom and personal comfort. In memory of Winifred, those who wish may donate to: Santa Barbara Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, 601 W Junipero, SB,CA 93105; Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation, PO Box 689, SB,CA 93102; Direct Relief International, 27 S. La Patera Lane, SB, CA 93117; Westmont College, Office of College Advancement, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. A private memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Anton Hoffmann, Associate Pastor, Greentree Community Church, Saint Louis, MO. & former Pastor of Grace Church of Santa Barbara.