Olga Pawlenko

Olga Pawlenko, born on January 6, 1951, in Hamburg, Germany, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, in Winchester, Tennessee, after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. She will forever be remembered for her infectious laughter, a joyous cackle uniquely her own. Anyone who heard it knew immediately they were in the presence of Olga.

The essence of Olga’s spirit radiated through her deep love for her family. She was a devoted wife to Alex Pawlenko and an incredibly loving mother to her children, Lisa, Matthew, and D’anna. Her grandchildren, Adrian, Sebastian, and Aaron, were the bright lights in her life, and there was nothing Olga wouldn’t do to celebrate their milestones, often traveling across the continent to gather with loved ones on special occasions such as birthdays.

Her personality was characterized by a wonderful sense of humor. Olga had a knack for jokes and a sassy wit that brought smiles to all who encountered her. Alongside her laughter, she possessed a big heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends in need. Whether it was offering advice during tough times or simply being someone to talk to, Olga was a dependable source of comfort and support.

Olga had a passion for cooking and baking, turning every holiday into a feast and ensuring that no one left her table hungry. A true foodie at heart, she delighted in trying new restaurants and recipes, always eager to share her latest culinary discovery with loved ones. Her love for family extended to her garden, where enthusiasm often outpaced success, a running family joke that she had a brown thumb instead of a green one, yet her care and laughter always made it flourish in its own way.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Alex Pawlenko; her children, Lisa Pawlenko, Matthew Pawlenko and his wife, Jennifer Pawlenko (née Dobbs), and D’anna Gaulin (née Pawlenko) and her husband, Daniel Gaulin. Olga also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Adrian and Sebastian Pawlenko, and Aaron Gaulin. She was the beloved sister of Walter Kosogof, Lida Marcyniuk, Lena Rode, Johnny Kosogof, and Shura Kosogof, and aunt to many loving nieces and nephews.

Olga was preceded in death by her parents, Vasil and Valentina Kosogof. Her absence will be felt profoundly, but her spirit will live on through the love, laughter, and memories she left in the hearts of her family and friends.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 8410 W. 131st Street, Palos Park, Illinois.