Theresa Irene Vacek

Theresa Irene Vacek, age 97, of Shalimar, Florida, peacefully passed from this life and went to heaven on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Theresa, the third of six children, was born on October 6, 1927, in Lokavec, Ajdovščina, Yugoslavia, to the late Angela and Franc Cigoj.  Growing up in the mountains near her village, she lived through the struggles and horrors of World War II.  At the age of 24, Theresa made the journey to America, on her own, on a ship named Anna Salen.  She arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in April 1951, and had to pay for her passage by working in hospitals, nursing homes, and mental institutions.  While on a trip to Niagara Falls, she met her future husband Sidney, and they were married on February 14, 1955.  The following year, they had a daughter, Diane.  Sidney continued to travel back and forth from the US and Canada, until Theresa fulfilled her obligation to pay for her passage, and he was able to permanently bring Theresa and Diane to the US.

After becoming US citizens, they lived in Czech neighborhoods in the suburbs west of Chicago.  Always taking care of the family and the home, Theresa also worked long hours as a waitress.  Eventually, they owned and operated a Czech restaurant and many apartment buildings.  Through the years, they made many trips back to Europe to visit family, and took annual summer vacations, traveling throughout the US.  An adventurer at heart, Theresa was always up for fun and any challenge.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 2 years for Diane’s troop, going on many camping trips and badge-earning escapades.  She loved going to Six Flags and ride the tallest and fastest roller coasters, hiked up mountains, enjoyed the beach, joined a bowling league, and in her later years, rode on a motorcycle and jet skis.  Every New Year’s Eve, Theresa and Sidney celebrated at big ballroom events, dancing the night away.  And she never turned down a trip to a casino, winning 2 big jackpots over the years.  One of Theresa’s last trips was with Diane to Windcreek, a casino in Alabama.

In their retirement years, Theresa and Sidney enjoyed traveling, often visiting friends, Diane and her husband Glen, and the grandchildren.  They also enjoyed many cruises to places like Alaska (their favorite), Hawaii, South America, and a 3-month cruise to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and other Pacific Islands.  In later years, Theresa and Sidney moved to Florida to be closer to Diane and her family.  Always the loving wife, Theresa was devoted to taking care of Sidney when he was diagnosed with dementia, and remained by his side for over 67 years of marriage.

Those left to cherish Theresa’s memory include her daughter and son-in-law, 3 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, and her one remaining brother who lives in Slovenia.