Our Mission

Succeeding in small business is big business. Service variety at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. is our expertise as each funeral is personalized to fit each family’s needs. Our family strives to earn the trust that families place in us during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Our goal has been, and still is, to give the most complete and finest service to each and every family that we assist. Earning that trust that families place in us is our number one goal. We stand by our motto: Modern Service with Traditional Dignity^SM Since 1915.
 
Along with our reputable service and long history, our family’s community involvement continues to drive the business. After all, we not only work in and with the community, we also live within the community and with our business and that’s very important.

Carrying on the legacy of our foundress, Agnes Zarzycki, who started the business in 1915, is challenging, however rewarding. As fourth generation women funeral directors, Claudette and Andrea are proud to be a link to such a colorful history. The funeral industry is ever changing, however, when a business demonstrates leadership, courage and independence, the Zarzycki Family will be there to serve the families of the community and beyond.

Meet Our Family

Richard C. Zarzycki: Richard was a 1945 graduate of St. Casimir grammar school and a 1949 graduate of Harrison High School. He graduated in 1953 from Loyola University with a B.S. in Science and completed his studies at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1955. During the years of 1956-1958, he served in the Army Occupation Forces in Germany. While working at the funeral home in the evenings and on weekends, during the day he was a schoolteacher in Burbank District 111. In 1960, he began as a junior high school science teacher. Richard received his Master’s Degree in School Administration from DePaul University in 1963. Administratively in 1965, Richard opened Jacqueline Kennedy grammar school in Burbank, Illinois where he was principal for six years. He moved to Luther Burbank School in 1971 where he served as principal for 19 years.

Because of his educational expertise, he was appointed by former Governor James Thompson to the Illinois Educational Facilities Authority during 1982-88 to provide tax exempt funding to private, higher educational and cultural instructions. In 1990, he retired after 25 years from his principal duties. Richard was one of the founders of the Archer Heights Credit Union and was a charter board member for 32 years. He served as their Chairman for 25 years. Richard passed away July 1, 2006. He brought more than 50 years of educated experience, as well as a lifetime of on-hand knowledge to the funeral industry.

Charmaine P. Zarzycki, CPC: A life-long resident of Chicago’s southwest side, Charmaine graduated from St. Mary Star of the Sea School and St. Joseph High School. She is a 1963 graduate of Northern Illinois University where she earned a B.S. in Education. Her teaching career began in Burbank District 111 and continued at the American School System in Japan. She married Richard in 1969 and began her studies at Worsham College of Mortuary Science where she graduated in 1971. Charmaine is the treasurer of the Catholic Council of Women (C.C.W.) at St. Richard Parish and a member of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Choir. Charmaine has been a licensed funeral director for more than 30 years and is also a Certified Preplanning Consultant.

Claudette A. Zarzycki, CPC: Claudette graduated from St. Turibius School in 1986 and Maria High School in 1990. She received her B.A. in Literature & Communications, with a concentration in journalism and marketing from Illinois Benedictine College in 1994. She is a 1995 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Before returning full-time to the family business in 1999, she worked for Recycled Paper Greetings, Inc. and also Hyatt Hotels Corporation in their marketing departments. Claudette is currently a Lector of Ministry at St. Bruno and St. James at Sag Bridge parishes, the treasurer of the Willow Springs Lioness organization and is a member of the Polish American PAC-Goral. Claudette carries more than ten years experience as a licensed director and is also a Certified Preplanning Consultant.

Andrea C. Zarzycki: A 1994 graduate of St. Turibius School and 1998 graduate of Mother McCauley High School, Andrea received her B.A. in Graphic Designing in 2003 from Columbia College. She graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2004 and is currently serving as the newest licensee at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. Andrea is a member of the St. Richard Parish Choir and is a volunteer with the Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.

We are proud members of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) , the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and United Business Association of Midway (UBAM). Please visit their websites for more information.