Remembering a Life Well Lived: The Enduring Legacy of Ruby Jean Pinkney-Konopka

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ruby Jean Pinkney-Konopka, a beloved Chicago native and cherished matriarch, who peacefully departed this life on October 3, 2023, at the age of 79. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family and friends, yet her vibrant spirit and unwavering love will forever illuminate their memories.

Born in the bustling heart of Chicago, Ruby spent her entire life weaving herself into the fabric of the city she loved.

She was a woman whose strength was matched only by her warmth, creating a home filled with laughter, comfort, and unconditional support. Her journey through life was a testament to resilience, joy, and the deep bonds of family, enriching every life she touched with her generous and caring nature.

Ruby’s greatest joy and most enduring legacy undoubtedly lie in her family.

She was a devoted mother to her sons, Robert Konopka Sr. and Christopher (Susan) Konopka, guiding them with wisdom and boundless affection. Her love extended gloriously to her grandchildren: Brittany, Tyler, Ryan, Sean, Kyle, and Jake, each of whom held a special place in her heart. And in her great-grandson, Caden, she found a renewed spark of pure delight, embodying the beautiful continuation of her lineage.

She joins in eternal peace her beloved husband, Robert Konopka Sr., her dear parents, William and Helen Pinkney, and her siblings, William Pinkney Jr., Dorothy Pinkney-Kemp, and Rose Pinkney-Rizzo.

Ruby’s memory will also be cherished by her loving siblings, Peggy (Larry) DeRosa, Betty (Steve) Lullo, and David (Janice) Pinkney, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends whose lives she deeply impacted with her kindness and affection.

Ruby Jean was known for her infectious smile, her generous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved.

She navigated life’s challenges with grace and an enduring optimism, leaving behind a blueprint for living a full, purposeful life rooted in compassion and family values. Her presence was a comforting anchor, her advice a guiding light, and her love a constant source of strength to all who knew her.

A testament to her enduring spirit, Ruby Jean’s life will be celebrated by family and friends.

Services will be held to honor her memory, providing an opportunity for loved ones to share stories, offer comfort, and say their final goodbyes. She will be laid to rest at St. Adalbert Cemetery, joining those who have gone before her. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find solace in the countless memories and the profound impact she had on each of us.

Ruby Jean Pinkney-Konopka’s light will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched, a beacon of love and strength.