Marija (Rebrica) Glavac

Marija Rebrica Glavac, age 93, of Lemont, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday, June 12, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Gornja Bistrica, Slovenia, on January 28, 1933, Marija made loving homes in both Lemont, Illinois, and Marco Island, Florida.

Marija married the love of her life, Ignac Glavac, in January 1952, and together they shared 70 devoted years of marriage until his passing in 2022. In December 1955, Marija and Ignac immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in search of a better life and greater opportunities for themselves and their future family. As their ship approached New York Harbor that night, Marija was captivated by the Christmas lights surrounding her. She later recalled believing that this must be what heaven looked like. Marija’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. Having experienced hardship in her own childhood, she was determined to provide her children with opportunities she never had.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose kindness, strength, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful cook, a talented seamstress, and a role model whose quiet strength and unwavering devotion to her family guided generations. Family was always her highest priority, and her home was filled with faith, warmth, love, and care. In her later years, Marija faced the challenges of dementia with grace and dignity. She was able to remain comfortably in her home until her passing, surrounded by the people who loved and cared for her.

Marija is survived by her children, Mary Beth Glavac, John Glavac, and Joan (Roger) Wroblewski; son-in-law, Dave Prasek - the beloved husband of her late daughter, Rosemary Prasek; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ignac Glavac; son, Marjan Glavac; daughter, Rosemary Prasek; mother, Marija Rebrica; sister, Darinka (Tony) Tkalec); and brother, Ignac Rebrica (Ivanka).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Georgina, Linda, and Amma, whose loving care, compassion, and dedication over the last four and a half years brought comfort not only to Marija, but to the entire family.

Though she will be deeply missed, Marija leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love and devotion to family that will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family takes comfort in knowing that the heaven Marija imagined as she first arrived in America is now the home where she has found eternal peace, reunited with her husband of 70 years and all those she loved who had gone before her.

Please join us in prayer and celebration of Marija’s life on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 for visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Slovenian Catholic Mission (14246 Main Street, Lemont, Illinois 60439) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. by Fr. Metod Ogorevc. Following the Mass, we will drive in procession to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, for a graveside service and committal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Slovenian Catholic Mission (14246 Main Street, Lemont, Illinois 60439) or the Slovenian Catholic Center (14252 Main Street, Lemont, Illinois 60439).

Funeral services entrusted to friend to the family and funeral director, Marko Cepon, 815-715-1389.

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