Alice Pugacz Alice Marie Staeck Pugacz, age 95, of Springfield, formerly of Downers Grove, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Concordia Village. Alice was born October 20, 1918 in Earl Park, IN, to August Frederick and Laura Elsie McKinney Staeck. She married Myron Alexander Pugacz on November 9, 1941 in Washington, DC. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2004. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Fred, and one sister, Helen. Alice graduated from Earl Park High School and Lafayette Business College. She worked in the publicity office at Purdue University where she met Myron. After she moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a legal secretary for the Department of Economic Warfare, Myron followed her and they were married. Alice and Myron lived in Washington, D.C.; Alexandria, VA; Oak Ridge, TN; Hamilton, Ohio; Downers Grove, IL; Naperville, IL; Mount Vernon, IN; and Springfield. They returned to Downers Grove and considered this their home. Alice moved back to Springfield to be close to one of her daughters in 2010. While living in the Chicago suburbs, Alice was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Downers Grove and active in the Women 's Fellowship, serving as an officer for many years. She was involved in the Downers Grove Women 's Club, Welcome Wagon, and the League of Women Voters. She was an active volunteer throughout her life including Planned Parenthood in the 1950 's when anti-contraception laws remained on the books in many states, Girl Scouts as a Brownie leader, PADS homeless program, several PTAs, the Chicago Food Depository, serving as a driver for the sheltered workshop, and many others. She joined Grace Lutheran Church after she moved to Springfield. Alice and Myron traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe. They played bridge and belonged to multiple bridge clubs. She loved to read, sew, and do needlework. She last worked at Fermi Lab in Batavia, IL. Alice 's primary focus was raising three daughters, whom she encouraged to attend college and pursue careers. She was proud that each daughter is in a committed marriage with a stable and loving family. A recent goal was to become a great-grandmother and this past October she was blessed with three great-grandchildren. Alice is survived by three daughters, Dottie (Bill) Getz of Lake Sherwood, MO; Helen (Tom) Appleton of Springfield; and Laura (Dan) Wyatt of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Carlton (Jorie) Getz of Salt Lake City, UT; Nicholas Wyatt of Washington, DC; August (Fran) Appleton of Springfield; Paul Appleton of Charleston, SC; and Natalie Wyatt of Seattle, WA; great-grandchildren, Henry Appleton and Alexandra and Liliya Getz; great-nephew, Fred Staeck; great-niece, Kim Staeck; great-great-nephew, Tyler Staeck; and great-great-niece, Sarah Staeck. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. There will be a private family service later this year in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Memorial contributions may be made to: First Congregational UCC, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL? 60515 and the Myron A. Pugacz Fellowship Endowment at Purdue Foundation, 403 W. Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2007. The family of Alice Marie Staeck Pugacz is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
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