Grayslake Woman Dies Months After Injuries Suffered In Kildeer Crash

GRAYSLAKE, IL — A Grayslake woman died months after she was critically injured in a motor vehicle crash in Kildeer.

Joan E. Smagacz, 73, died June 26 from complications related to injuries she suffered in the Feb. 20 crash, according to her obituary and Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

Smagacz sustained multiple fractures in the crash and was left immobile for four months while recovering. She had been looking forward to returning home when complications arose, according to her obituary.

A Mercedes-Benz traveling south on Quentin Road attempted to turn east onto Route 22 when it collided with a northbound Toyota entering the intersection, according to Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz, a 69-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington before later being released, police said.

The driver of the Toyota, later identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Smagacz, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries. She later died from complications related to those injuries, according to her obituary.

Friends and family remembered Smagacz for her love of baking and cooking, especially the breads she made that became a centerpiece of holiday celebrations. She also enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel, attending theater performances and movies, and spending time with her grandson.

A visitation for Smagacz was held Wednesday at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium in Grayslake. A funeral Mass was held Thursday at Transfiguration Parish in Wauconda, followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon.