Mariola Vanda “Nana” Fashfellow passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 73. She faced the end of her life with the same stubbornness and spunk that defined her, even after months of declining health. She is now reunited in heaven with her parents, June and George Fashfellow, and the beloved family dog, Teddy. Born on June 22, 1951, in Zyrardow, Poland, Mariola spent the first years of her life there before the family moved to Israel and eventually to the United States in 1960. They settled in St. Charles, IL, in 1967. In her youth, she was fluent in Polish, English, French and Hebrew. After graduating from high school, Mariola pursued her passion for art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Later, she discovered a deep calling for mental health and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Psychology from Aurora University. Mariola dedicated 35 years of her life as a behavioral health nurse at the Elgin Mental Health Center, where she made a profound impact on her patients. After retiring from the state of Illinois, she continued her work in the field at Marklund Nursing Home, caring for adults with developmental disabilities. She worked until she became too sick from autoimmune liver disease, and in 2013 received a live liver donation from her niece, Marissa, gifting her another 11.5 years of life.
Mariola’s family meant the world to her. Her greatest joy in life was spending quality time with her loved ones, showering them with affection, and indulging them and her beloved furry companions. Not having any children of her own, Mariola’s cherished niece and nephew were especially spoiled by their “Nana.” Mariola is survived by her sister, Monica, and brother-in-law, Jon, along with her niece, Marissa (Dan), nephew, Alex (Abby), and the family fur babies Mischa, Pippa and Hattie. Aside from spoiling and doting on her family, Mariola will also be remembered for her love of shopping, her extensive shoe collection, and enjoyment of General Hospital, British murder mysteries, and the news and current events. Mariola’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO), Woof Gang Rescue, or Tiny n’ Tall Rescue Inc., three organizations very dear to her heart.
