Community Corner
'This Isn't Goodbye, This Is Simply See You Later'
The family and friends of Gabriella Drozdz gathered Saturday for the 18-year-old's funeral mass.
As the funeral services for Gabriella Drozdz began Saturday afternoon at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Lake Zurich, it was clear that the girl known as “Gabby” had touched the hearts of many people.
Countless flower arrangements and picture collages made by friends and family were displayed all over the funeral parlor. To memorialize Gabby, her brother Scott Grzelak, a furniture maker, brought a small wooden bench he had made and asked that friends and family write a short note or poem about Gabby on it.
“My mom will put it in her garden and she’ll have the opportunity to sit and reflect about Gabby,” said Grzelak.
Dozens of family members and friends attended the services Saturday. Drozdz was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver July 22 on Church Street while walking to Alpine Fest with friends Rosie and Vanessa Fitts, ages 16 and 18.
Mourners stood in a line to say their last goodbyes to Gabby at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home. Her grandmother, who traveled from Poland, wept uncontrollably at the casket.
A bereavement minister from St. Francis de Sales conducted the service at the funeral home.
“Death has made a sudden intrusion into our lives,” read a prayer for Gabby. “It has taken the life from Gabby, who enjoyed youth and strength and who was filled with the hope and challenge of life.”
The funeral procession traveled past Gabby’s house off Grever Court, where her white Toyota was parked on the front lawn covered in flowers and balloons that read, “We miss you.”
“What happened to Gabby was awful and we’re all in shock,” said Patricia Kosacka, one of Gabby’s friends.
The hearse pulled up to St. Francis de Sales Church, parking just underneath a Polish flag that was displayed to honor Gabby’s heritage. The six pall bearers – her brothers, uncles, godfather, and boyfriend – carried her casket into the church as Amazing Grace played.
The Revs. David F. Ryan and Zbigniew Pienkos presided over the funeral Mass, part of which was spoken in Polish, which Gabby spoke fluently.
“Why did this happen? Why the tragedy of her death?” Father Ryan asked. “None of us want to be here. We shouldn’t be here for the death of an 18-year-old girl in our community.”
Ryan also talked about the vigil that was held at the wake the night before and the kind words that were spoken about Gabby by her family and friends.
“In the 32 years I’ve been a priest, I’ve never heard anyone speak so deeply,” he said, referring to Gabby’s brother Chris Drozdz.
Ryan touched on how Gabby liked to make and give away bracelets, and mentioned her creative talent as an artist.
Gabby’s sister and godmother Ilona Gregory gave the final words of remembrance and talked about Gabby’s creative side and her obsession with Facebook.
Gregory recalled the day Gabby was born and how “she instantly fell in love with her.”
As Gregory continued to recount memories she had with her sister, her mother Teresa, along with several friends and family, began to cry.
“This isn’t goodbye, this is simply see you later,” said Gregory.
Police have identified a vehicle of interest, described as at two-tone blue van with a lighter accent color, possibly silver or gray.
Cmdr. Kevin Finlon added that the vehicle sought is likely a GMC Safari or Chevrolet Astro Van with damage to the passenger-side turn signal light. The vehicle of interest is blue with gray or silver accent.
Police released actual surveillance photos of the vehicle Friday. Finlon said the photos were taken the night of the hit-and-run and are from a business on Church Street north of the crash scene. The actual business, he noted, can’t be revealed because police are still actively reviewing video from several businesses.
“The police are working hard and definitely diligent and they are making headway,” said Scott Grzelak. “I saw the pictures and the surveillance video of the car, so it’s just a matter of time before the person is caught.”
The family is collecting funds to offer a cash reward leading to the arrest of the driver involved in the hit-and-run.
Anyone with information is asked to contact either Finlon at 847-719-1690, ext. 6118, or the Lake County Crime Stoppers at 847-662-2222.