Ilene “Cookie” Drozd peacefully passed to her eternal reward on Sunday evening, October 1. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Drozd, who together celebrated the sacrament of matrimony for more than 55 years. Born in Dearborn, MI, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marie Ozga andContinue Reading
Ilene “Cookie” Drozd peacefully passed to her eternal reward on Sunday evening, October 1.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Drozd, who together celebrated the sacrament of matrimony for more than 55 years.
Born in Dearborn, MI, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marie Ozga and by her sister, Patricia (Charles) Thomas and a number of close friends.
She is survived by her six children, Anne (Jeff) Scheive, John (Terri) Drozd, Katherine (Matt) Schebler, Tim (Kendra) Drozd, Joseph (Nicole) Drozd, and David (Amy) Drozd. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren – Melanie (Sathwik), Katelyn (Sergio), and Nicole Scheive; Hayley (Holland) Andrew, Quinn (Kelsie) and Julia Drozd; Renee and Emily Schebler; Katherine, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Christina Drozd; Luke, Alexandra, Jacklyn, Samantha Drozd; Emerson Drozd and 1 great granddaughter, Isla Andrew and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Ilene grew up in Dearborn, MI and was a long time resident of East Chicago, IN and member of St. Stanislaus Parish. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and majored in nursing in college. She married Robert and pursued their dream of raising a large family together. The loves of her life were her husband, her faith, her family, the Knights of Columbus, St. Stanislaus School (longtime lunchroom mother and volunteer), Girl Scouts Troop Leader, and St. Michaels Labors of Love Ministry. One of her favorite phrases as a Troop Leader was “Leave everything better than you found it”. She was an avid reader, crafter, crocheter, custom greeting card maker, bowler, Jeopardy and Blue Bloods fan.
Her unwavering love and care for her husband during his long battle with Parkinson’s was an example to all. She missed him greatly and now they are reunited.
Ilene had a quick wit and deep love for her family and friends. She was able to make each person feel special and unique. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and seeing a beautifully made and handwritten card from Cookie was a treat enjoyed by many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/) to fund research for a cure to Parkinson’s.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Ilene "Cookie" M. Drozd, please visit our Tribute Store.
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2 trees were planted in memory of Ilene Drozd 
Sandra Demerly Wittenbrink
left a message on October 27, 2023:
Ilene was my high school classmate. She always seemed so mature and calm. While the rest of us were being our teenage selves, Ilene just looked on kindly and calmly with a steady easy gaze. What a rich life she lived filled with giving from her generous, creative heart.
Kenneth & Kathleen Benich
left a message on October 5, 2023:
There are many memorable women in my life and one of them is "Cookie" Drozd . She was always a pleasure to see and to be with, always had a smile and a knack of making you feel well . Just Radient . I will always cherish the fond memories of her & My "Coach " Bob . They loved each other and those around them, family first and foremost . It was my pleasure to have had them in my life and to say that they were my Friends .May they Rest in Eternal Peace .
Kenneth & Kathleen Benich
left a message on October 5, 2023:
There are many memorable women in my life and one of them is "Cookie" Drozd . She was always a pleasure to see and to be with, always had a smile and a knack of making you feel well . Just Radient . I will always cherish the fond memories of her & My "Coach " Bob . They loved each other and those around them, family first and foremost . It was my pleasure to have had them in my life and to say that they were my Friends .May they Rest in Eternal Peace .
Jyl Milham
left a message on October 5, 2023:
Ilene’s smile was infectious! She loved her family deeply and welcomed new family along the way. She wasn’t shy about telling you like is and she gave openly to others who shared her passions. This past summer I mentioned I loved gnomes. Shortly after that visit I received a small package in the mail of gnome cards she had made. It was sweet, thoughtful and generous of her to share that gift. She has left an impact in the lives of everyone she’s met and her memory will live on in her friends and family. You finally got your angel wings friend! Much love!!
Anonymous
left a message on October 4, 2023:
With cherished memories of COOKIE. may she rest in peace.
Garden To Go Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Thinking of you during this difficult time, and remembering the beautiful life of Ilene Drozd.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Jacqueline Kaptur
left a message on October 3, 2023:
I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time. Heaven gained an amazing Angel.
Mark, Kim and Connie
left a message on October 3, 2023:
John, Terri and family,We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Mark, Kim and Connie. Send Flowers
Anonymous
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Rich & Gail Games
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Sharon Przybylinski
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Cookie was a kind and loving member of our Labors of Love group. She was a talented crafter and a friend to many. She will be missed. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Tony and Jill Townsend
left a message on October 3, 2023:
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Tony and Jill Townsend. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Sandra Demerly Wittenbrink
left a message on October 27, 2023:
Ilene was my high school classmate. She always seemed so mature and calm. While the rest of us were being our teenage selves, Ilene just looked on kindly and calmly with a steady easy gaze. What a rich life she lived filled with giving from her generous, creative heart.
Kenneth & Kathleen Benich
left a message on October 5, 2023:
There are many memorable women in my life and one of them is "Cookie" Drozd . She was always a pleasure to see and to be with, always had a smile and a knack of making you feel well . Just Radient . I will always cherish the fond memories of her & My "Coach " Bob . They loved each other and those around them, family first and foremost . It was my pleasure to have had them in my life and to say that they were my Friends .May they Rest in Eternal Peace .
Kenneth & Kathleen Benich
left a message on October 5, 2023:
There are many memorable women in my life and one of them is "Cookie" Drozd . She was always a pleasure to see and to be with, always had a smile and a knack of making you feel well . Just Radient . I will always cherish the fond memories of her & My "Coach " Bob . They loved each other and those around them, family first and foremost . It was my pleasure to have had them in my life and to say that they were my Friends .May they Rest in Eternal Peace .
Jyl Milham
left a message on October 5, 2023:
Ilene’s smile was infectious! She loved her family deeply and welcomed new family along the way. She wasn’t shy about telling you like is and she gave openly to others who shared her passions. This past summer I mentioned I loved gnomes. Shortly after that visit I received a small package in the mail of gnome cards she had made. It was sweet, thoughtful and generous of her to share that gift. She has left an impact in the lives of everyone she’s met and her memory will live on in her friends and family. You finally got your angel wings friend! Much love!!
Anonymous
left a message on October 4, 2023:
With cherished memories of COOKIE. may she rest in peace.
Garden To Go Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Thinking of you during this difficult time, and remembering the beautiful life of Ilene Drozd.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Jacqueline Kaptur
left a message on October 3, 2023:
I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time. Heaven gained an amazing Angel.
Mark, Kim and Connie
left a message on October 3, 2023:
John, Terri and family,We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Mark, Kim and Connie. Send Flowers
Anonymous
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Rich & Gail Games
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Sharon Przybylinski
left a message on October 3, 2023:
Cookie was a kind and loving member of our Labors of Love group. She was a talented crafter and a friend to many. She will be missed. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Tony and Jill Townsend
left a message on October 3, 2023:
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Ilene Drozd by Tony and Jill Townsend. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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