Stasia Magdalene Leipzig, age 90, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the home of her daughter while on hospice care. She is survived by her sister, Marie (Richard) Wozniak; eight children, Nicholas Leipzig, Theresa (Michael) Kijowski, Julie (David) Marvel, Nancy (Keith) Essex, Jeanne (Curt) Calas, Margie (Sasha) Jonic, Christine Leipzig, and Rita (Michael) Gampetro; 19 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helena Witek; husband, Hubert Nicholas Leipzig; son, Thomas (Iris) Leipzig; brothers, Joseph Witek, Roman (Iryna) Witek; sisters, Janie (Stanley) Slowik, Josephine Witek and Angie Witek.

Stasia Leipzig (nee Witek) was born on September 27, 1936 to John and Helena Witek in Poland. She was one of seven children. In 1939, her childhood became a struggle for survival when the Germans, under Hitler, invaded Poland from the west. Soon after, the Soviets, under Stalin, moved in from the east and deported her family, along with many others, in crowded trains to labor camps in Siberia first and later in Turkmenistan. They suffered harsh conditions, brutal treatment, and starvation by the Soviet Communists. Many died. In 1943, survivors were released from the labor camps and she began her journey, as an orphan, with her two sisters, Marie and Janie, to America. They boarded the U.S.S. Hermitage in India and were transported eventually to California. Since the war was not over yet, they traveled by train to Santa Rosa, Mexico, a settlement for Polish orphans and refugees. Here, they lived in a dormitory and attended school. The settlement was closed in 1946, after the war and they were allowed to come into America. They were placed in an orphanage until foster care became available in Chicago.

In 1957, she met and married her husband, Hubert Nicholas Leipzig and together they were blessed with nine children. She devoted her life to raising her family in the Catholic faith. She shared her days with her children using her gift of creativity while coloring, drawing, sewing by hand, and making Barbie doll houses out of milk cartons. Other days there were puzzles, card games, and swimming to enjoy. There were many fun, family trips to amusement parks, the zoo, and camping in the trailer and motor home. One of our favorite memories are the stories she would tell about her childhood. We called them her "101 Polish Stories." Later in life, she showed great affection for her grandchildren and cherished her time with them.

Throughout her life, she suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to her experiences in childhood from the prison camps. This may have contributed to her early development of dementia. Unable to care for herself after her husband died, she lived with her oldest son Nicholas who cared for her for many years. In her last days, she was cared for by her daughters in their homes. Her smile and gentleness will be greatly missed.

Visitation for Stasia will take place at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Service at 12:00 P.M., also at the funeral home. Procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL will immediately follow for a Committal Service at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.