Althea Przybylo Kroger Passes Away

Althea Przybylo Kroger, the eldest sibling of the family which owns White Eagle Banquets in Niles, and a former state senator in Vermont who graduated from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, passed away Aug. 30 in Vermont, her home of several decades.

Born Oct. 9, 1946, in Chicago to Ted and Alice Przybylo, who founded White Eagle Banquets, Kroger met her husband at St. Louis University, then moved to Vermont when he obtained a teaching position at a college,there, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

She obtained a masters in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School, as well as a masters in political science from the University of Vermont and a law degree from the Vermont Law, according to the Burlington Free Press.

She served four terms in the Vermont House of Representatives and two in the Vermont Senate, where she was a supporter of the elderly, low-income people, open government, women's right, special education and access to higher education, according to the paper.

The following was provided by Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles: Althea is survived by her husband Joseph and son Andrew (Carolina),granddaughters Gabrielle and Rachel; siblings Vivian (Paul) Kolpek and children Todd, Alexis and Vanessa – Andrew (Amy) Przybylo and children Adam and Kiki – Alice (Tony) Pawlicki and children Allison, Angie and Stacie – Vicki (Bill) Pindras and children Andrea, David, Laura, Eric and Emilie – Ted (Alicja) and children Michelle, Alex and Jack. Althea also had 14 first cousins who were like brothers and sisters while growing up in Chicago. Love was always in the air and fun was being a large and connected family. We will all miss her deeply.

Visitation will be held on Saturday September 15 at the 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM. There will be a prayer service conducted by Msgr. Velo with burial at Maryhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. 

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