Thomas M. Janusz, Sr.
Founder and Funeral Director
Thomas M. Janusz, Sr. was born in the Pennytown section of the Grand Crossing/Avalon Park neighborhoods of Chicago. He was the seventh son of Polish immigrants, born three days after his father died. On that day, visitors moved from the parlor, where they viewed the body of his father, to the back bedroom, where they welcomed Tom into this world.
His family endured tough times throughout the Great Depression and WWII. Like all of us, Tom was shaped by the events of his childhood. He lost his 13-year-old brother, Chester, to pneumonia when he was 18 months old. He witnessed his mother, a Polish-speaking immigrant, struggle to support her children without assistance or relief. He watched his three older brothers leave home to serve during WWII. All these things made Tom who he was and scripted what he believed in--duty, honor, family, loyalty, and hard work.
Tom graduated from Hirsch H.S. in 1954 and married Betty Lou in 1956. He graduated from Worsham College in 1959. Together with the help of his wife, Betty Lou, Thornridge Funeral Home was opened in 1973. Tom not only built it; he practically built it brick by brick. He was an exemplary mentor and example to many funeral directors, colleagues, and associates. A Licensed Funeral Director with 53 years of dedicated service.
4th Degree Knight of Columbus Genoa Council #1659. Past President of St. Jude the Apostle Holy Name Society. As an active member of St. Jude the Apostle Church and the local community, Tom honorably volunteered for many memorable church and social functions.
Tom Sr. was past president of the Suburban Home Owners Association, a member of Elks Lodge #2335, the South Holland Business Association, the South Holland Jaycees, a member of the Dolton Chamber of Commerce, and worked on fundraisers for the community.
He passed away on December 9, 2013. His gifts, spirit, and legacy continue to live on in his family's hearts to be shared with others.
Thomas M. Janusz, Sr.
Founder and Funeral Director
Thomas M. Janusz, Sr. was born in the Pennytown section of the Grand Crossing/Avalon Park neighborhoods of Chicago. He was the seventh son of Polish immigrants, born three days after his father died. On that day, visitors moved from the parlor, where they viewed the body of his father, to the back bedroom, where they welcomed Tom into this world.
His family endured tough times throughout the Great Depression and WWII. Like all of us, Tom was shaped by the events of his childhood. He lost his 13-year-old brother, Chester, to pneumonia when he was 18 months old. He witnessed his mother, a Polish-speaking immigrant, struggle to support her children without assistance or relief. He watched his three older brothers leave home to serve during WWII. All these things made Tom who he was and scripted what he believed in--duty, honor, family, loyalty, and hard work.
Tom graduated from Hirsch H.S. in 1954 and married Betty Lou in 1956. He graduated from Worsham College in 1959. Together with the help of his wife, Betty Lou, Thornridge Funeral Home was opened in 1973. Tom not only built it; he practically built it brick by brick. He was an exemplary mentor and example to many funeral directors, colleagues, and associates. A Licensed Funeral Director with 53 years of dedicated service.
4th Degree Knight of Columbus Genoa Council #1659. Past President of St. Jude the Apostle Holy Name Society. As an active member of St. Jude the Apostle Church and the local community, Tom honorably volunteered for many memorable church and social functions.
Tom Sr. was past president of the Suburban Home Owners Association, a member of Elks Lodge #2335, the South Holland Business Association, the South Holland Jaycees, a member of the Dolton Chamber of Commerce, and worked on fundraisers for the community.
He passed away on December 9, 2013. His gifts, spirit, and legacy continue to live on in his family's hearts to be shared with others.
Betty Lou Janusz
Funeral Director
Betty Lou Janusz graduated from Hirsch High School in 1955 and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1975. She was the first student to attend Worsham while expecting her daughter, Lynn Ann. She was able to complete her studies and graduate on time, even with having her newborn daughter before the Christmas break. Betty Lou was the past president of the St. Jude Women's Club and has volunteered with numerous church and civic organizations over the years. She passed away on June 27, 2020.
Betty Lou Janusz
Funeral Director
Betty Lou Janusz graduated from Hirsch High School in 1955 and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1975. She was the first student to attend Worsham while expecting her daughter, Lynn Ann. She was able to complete her studies and graduate on time, even with having her newborn daughter before the Christmas break. Betty Lou was the past president of the St. Jude Women's Club and has volunteered with numerous church and civic organizations over the years. She passed away on June 27, 2020.
Lynn Ann Janusz
Funeral Director
Lynn Ann Janusz graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of science and nursing degree and worked as a registered nurse in the burn unit at Loyola University Medical Center. In 1999, she graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and has continued the family tradition of providing personal service and attention as a full-time funeral director.
Lynn Ann Janusz
Funeral Director
Lynn Ann Janusz graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of science and nursing degree and worked as a registered nurse in the burn unit at Loyola University Medical Center. In 1999, she graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and has continued the family tradition of providing personal service and attention as a full-time funeral director.
