Mary Jane "Kudgie" Grandadam

Mary Jane “Kudgie” Kujawa Leszczynski Grandadam

Ottawa – Mary Jane “Kudgie” Grandadam, 93 of Ottawa passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18th at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Ottawa IL.

Mary Jane was born April 23,1932 at St. Mary’s Hospital, LaSalle IL to Lottie (Pierschala) Kujawa and Thomas Kujawa.

She married John Leszczynski on October 16, 1954. That union produced six children: James (Diana) Leszczynski of Bloomington IL, Susan (Wilson) Movic of Bloomington IL, Jeffrey (Ling Ling) Leszczynski of LaSalle IL, Greg Leszczynski of Largo FL, Mary Beth (Anthony) Loebach of Bloomington IL and Thomas Leszczynski of LaSalle IL.

She later married Laverne Grandadam on July 5, 1988. He passed away March 11, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas Kujawa, sister Arlene Grace Kujawa in infancy, her first husband John Leszczynski, and stepson David Grandadam.

Kudgie is survived by her 6 children and their spouses, 4 stepchildren and their spouses, Mary Sue (Kim) Frye, Carol (Ray) Hughes, Nancy (Jim) Funk and Connie Grandadam, grandchildren James (Erin) DaRosa, Sarah (Bryan) Gordon, Adria (Angel) Lopez, Andrew Leszczynski, Logan Leszczynski, great grandchildren Josie, Eddie, Adele and Jimmy DaRosa, Jerard “Junior”, Aaliyah and Jordan Lopez, Alyssa and Brian Gordon, plus several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Special recognition to friends Mark Miller, Barb Castelli and Ann Spika for their kindness and assistance to Mary Jane.

Mary Jane graduated from St. Valentine’s Grade School, LaSalle Peru High School Class of 1949, and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. She fulfilled her childhood dream as a registered nurse active in the profession for 47 years with positions at St. Mary’s, St. Margaret’s and Peoples which became IVCH retiring in 1996. Upon retirement she and Laverne enjoyed their time traveling and dining in several states.

Kudgie was a member of St. Columba Parish in Ottawa IL since 2010. She previously had been a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in LaSalle for 35 years. She was a former member of St. Mary’s Alumnae Association, Retired Nightingales, LaSalle’s St. Patrick’s Ladies of Charity, and Ottawa’s Foxy Ladies. She served on the Class of LP 1949 High School Reunion committee for 45 years.

Kudgie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Her legacy endures in the family she raised, the patients she cared for, and the many lives she touched along the way.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at St. Columba Catholic Church in Ottawa IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 PM in St Columba Church. Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Burial at St. Valentine’s Cemetery in Spring Valley following the mass. Ptak Funeral Home of Peru IL is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Columba Church Renovation.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at Ptak FH.com