The whole of Chicago prayed for her. Jola lost the fight for life after a terrible accident

Prayers were not enough. 47-year-old Jola Chmielewska from near Chicago, who fought for her life for two weeks after a horrific accident, lost the battle. Our compatriot died on Good Friday, as reported by the devastated loved ones of the well-known Polish community activist. They are already preparing a dignified farewell for her.

Chicago’s Polonia has come together to support Jola’s family with prayers and donations. On the GoFundMe page , where a fundraiser was organized, more than $60,000 was raised to cover the costs of her treatment . Unfortunately, doctors were unable to save Jola. On the holiday weekend, the Polish community was hit with the news that the Pole had passed away, leaving behind a family and a large group of friends in despair. – ” Her departure has left a void that nothing and no one can fill. She will remain in our hearts forever – as a person full of warmth, kindness and love, ” she wrote on Facebook, saying goodbye to her aunt, Nicole Golda.

Chicago singer Dori Koz met Jola through her husband Tomek Chmielewski, a well-known Polish sound engineer who often provided sound for concerts where she sang. – Whenever I met Jola and looked at her warm smile, joy and peace appeared in my heart. She was always very kind, truthful, helpful – Chicago singer Dori Koz told us with tears in her voice. – I will miss her very much and she will never disappear from my memory – she added.

The tragedy that Jola Chmielewska suffered occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 6. Our compatriot was returning home in an Uber when the car she was a passenger in was hit head-on in Istasca, IL by a driver speeding the wrong way on the I-390 freeway. According to the Polish woman’s loved ones, the perpetrator of the accident was drunk, but the police have not yet released their findings. Our compatriot was taken to the hospital in critical condition. She suffered extensive head and body injuries and was in a coma . Her loved ones hoped until the end that she would recover.

Our compatriot took part in many charity events and was always eager to help others. She was active in the Chicago aid group Stokrotka. As her loved ones informed, the funeral mass for Jola’s soul will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Jacek at 3635 W George St in Chicago.