Martha "Sue" (Whorrall) Bydalek

Martha Larosa (Whorrall) Bydalek, also known as Sue Bydalek 86, of Kankakee departed our world on February 13, 2023. She was born to parents Forrest and Margaret Whorrall on June 25, 1936 in Onarga, Il. Martha’s nickname, Sue, came to be at an early age. Her toddler brother, Donnie, who was one year older, could not pronounce the name Martha. It happens that her father, Forrest, had a local grocery store with an advertisement in the window with a little girl named Sue. Donnie began calling her “sister Sue,” and the name stuck with her throughout her life. Only her Onarga Aunts were to call her by her given name of Martha. Sue “Martha” graduated from Grant Park High School and went on to become a telephone operator for the phone company in Kankakee until she married Leonard F. Bydalek on January 26, 1957. Their marriage and time together were what people dream of on their wedding day. Sue was a sweet and wonderful wife, mother, a favorite aunt and loving friend. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and cooking. Everyone looked forward to her baked goods during holidays and gatherings. Her garden flowers were always beautiful. She loved working outside in her yard and taking daily walks. Her 80th Birthday wish was that her beloved Cubbies would win the world series, and they came through, like magic, “Fly the W!’ She was easily pleased, living a life full of gratitude and would say her life was good. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Julie Bydalek and Thomas Finn of Ipswich, MA; sister, Katherine Wicker of Dunedin, FL; sister-in-law, Patricia Lamore of Manteno, IL; daughter-in-law, Denise Bydalek of Kennewick, WA; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald and Richard Whorrall; husband, Leonard Bydalek; son, Richard Bydalek; and granddaughter, Michelle Bydalek Strausberger Visitation will be held from 9-10:45 am. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. also on Tuesday, at St. John Paul II – West Campus. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the following organizations: American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, https://alzfdn.org/ A Hospice Organization that serves your community.

Martha "Sue" (Whorrall) Bydalek

June 25, 1936 - February 13, 2023