Mary R. Kowalik, a longtime resident of Rt. 28, widow of Joseph B. Kowalik and proprietor of Kowalik’s Hotel & Restaurant, Rt. 28, Otter Lake, passed away while surrounded by the loving care of her family, on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

She was born on May 17, 1936, at the Paluck family homestead farm on Crofoot Hill Road, near Constableville, a daughter of Anthony and Mary Kolasoe Paluck. Estella attended a rural school, completing her education at Constableville Central School.  

On June 14, 1967, Estella was united in marriage with Joseph B. Kowalik, at St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville. After their marriage the couple lived in Boonville, moving to Otter Lake in 1950, purchasing the former Green’s Hotel on Rt. 28, which they operated as Kowalik’s Hotel and Restaurant until Mr. Kowalik passed away on April 27, 1972. There after Mrs. Kowalik continued the operation of the hotel and restaurant for over 50 years, until her retirement.  

Mrs. Kowalik was a member of St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church of Otter Lake, where she served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister, trustee of the church, a member of the parish council and she was a member of St. Mary’s Saint Christopher’s Society.  

Mary was a fabulous cook and made sure that everyone always had plenty to eat. She greatly enjoyed raising flowers. She was a generous person who always had an open door for others and had a great love for her family.

She is survived by one daughter and one son, Selena Wellington-Kowalik, Milan, IL, Kevin Kowalik, Dover, TN; five grandchildren, Caitlynne Renee Kowalik, Claire Kowalik, Austin Kowalik,Dover, TN, Alliyah Kowalik, Domingo Jose (DJ) Wellington, Rock Island, IL; two great grandchilden, Ari Wilson and Kyrie Wilson, Rock Island, IL. 

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Island, with interment in Rock Island Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Rock Island. Visitation hours are Friday 4-8 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, 61201. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Island, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2208 4th Ave. Rock Island Illinois, 61201.