Therese Panzica

Age 84 of Morris, Illinois, and formerly of Chicago, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at her home, with her family by her side.

Born April 8, 1937 in Chicago, Therese Ann was a daughter of James and Mary Kate (nee Murray) Hanley. She was raised and educated in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, and graduated from Visitation High School with the Class of 1954. Therese gained employment with the Chicago Police Department as a Youth Officer, working there for 29 years. She was devoted employee and strong advocate of women’s rights, ensuring equal pay for equal work.

Following her retirement from the CPD, Therese moved to Morris to be closer to family. She was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church, serving as a past president of the CCW and as Eucharistic Minister. Therese was an Associate with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters in Wisconsin and volunteered her time with We Care, Meals on Wheels, and at Morris Hospital with the transportation department. She worked with the University of Illinois Extension Office in the Food and Nutrition Department, and participated with the Master Gardeners, 4-H Club, and was past Chairwoman of TOPPS. Therese will be remembered as a friend to everyone and for her giving nature, and the blue streak in her hair that made her stand out in the crowd.

Survivors include two daughters: Marianne Panzica of Morris and Bobbi J. Frasl of Gardner; eleven grandchildren: Steven (Brandy) Nowak, Catherine (Mike) Mullaney, Sarah (Brian) Haish, Michael Nowak (fiancée Carly Tucker), Paul (Mary) Nowak, Rosemary (Daryk) Nowak, Robert (Sarah) Fanuko, William Frasl, James Frasl, Marilyn (Chris) Miller, and Katherine (Jason) Seerup; and eighteen great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Therese was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters: Mary Ellen Rhodes, Sr. Rosaleen Hanley, OSP, Katherine Hanley, Rita Burba.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris form 10:00 a.m. until of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Ed Howe CR presiding, and assisted by Deacon Paul Jung. Cremation rites will be accorded following funeral services and inurnment will follow at a later date.

Those attending the visitation and funeral services are required to wear face masks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Therese’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Therese’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris (815) 942-2500.