Margaret M. Kmetz was a caring wife and the beloved matriarch of a large family. She left this world peacefully on September 3, 2024 at the age of 97.

  She was born in Streator on May 2, 1927, to Stephen Novotney and Mary (Hozie) Novotney. She married Francis Kmetz in St. Stephen Church in Streator on September 1, 1948. They were married for 60 years, until his death in 2009.

  She leaves behind their five children: sons Daniel (Linda) of Indianapolis, IN; Joel (Denise) of Cameron Park, CA; Brian (Kathy) of Streator; and Timothy of Bloomington, IL; and daughter Moira (Steven) Skinner of Naples, FL; eight grandchildren (one grandson deceased), eighteen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, two step-grandsons, five step grand-children, and one step great-great granddaughter. Also surviving are her two sisters, Frances (late Leroy) Groene of Janesville, WI and Lorraine (late Edward) Pierard of Crossville, TN.

  Margaret was happiest when cooking and serving big family dinners, traveling to see her children and grandchildren, beating opponents in Euchre and Spite and Malice, dancing with her husband, sewing, and baking. She was a talented seamstress who made outfits for Streatorettes and six dresses for her daughter’s wedding, including the bride’s intricate gown. She was also a skilled baker. One of her greatest pleasures was organizing and working with the “Holy Rollers,” the parish baking group, to make and sell thousands of traditional Slovak rolls to benefit St. Stephen School, later St. Michael the Archangel School.

  With her love for children, Margaret was a natural as a teacher’s aide at Oakland School for 20 years. Working in the classroom was a source of pride and brought her much satisfaction. Other jobs she held also centered on serving others--treasurer of the St. Stephen School cafeteria, activity director for Camelot Manor, and program assistant at Streator Unlimited.

  Margaret was dedicated to her faith as a lifelong member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, now St. Michael the Archangel. Memorials may be donated to the Assist Program of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

  Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Solon-Telford Funeral Home, followed by reciting of the Rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, followed by a service at St. Stephen Cemetery chapel and luncheon at the Knights of Columbus.