Obituary: Michelle Leigh Darguzis

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Michelle Leigh Darguzis (nee Ukovich), age 45, of Joliet, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center Joliet, with her loving family by her side, following a courageous seven year battle with breast cancer.

Born July 11, 1976, in Joliet, she was the daughter of Greg and Claudia (Dalziel) Ukovich. She attended Minooka Grade School, Minooka High School, graduating with the Class of 1994, and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis. During her time in school, she excelled on the softball field as an outstanding pitcher.

Michelle was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt who always put the needs of others before her own. Her time as a teacher at St. Mary Magdalene Grade School impacted the lives of hundreds of students. She attended all of her children’s activities even when her health limited her ability to do so. She had an amazing sense of humor and her bravery and courage throughout her battle with cancer was an example for many. She will be remembered for her organizing and fundraising skills for the Joliet Area Chapter of Pink Heals, happily running her “On The Hunt For Pink Trucks” scavenger hunt.

Surviving are her beloved husband, Doug Darguzis of Joliet; her devoted children, Peyton and Cameron, at home; her parents, Greg and Claudia Ukovich of Minooka; her grandmother, Patricia Dalziel; two sisters, Melissa (Nick) Cardone of Diamond, and Melanie (Brad) Kunz of Channahon; and two nephews, Will and Drew Kunz. Her husband’s parents, Jim and Marty Darguzis; sister-in-law, Laura (Derald) Leuszler; and two nieces, Morgan and Kristen also survive.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Andrew Dalziel and Sylvester, and Mary Ukovich.

Visitation for Michelle Darguzis will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, (at Essington Road), Joliet. Funeral services will be Friday, July 23, 2021, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the family for use in benefiting a number of Michelle’s interests would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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