Anne "Annie" Marie Stratz (Ilczyszyn)

Anne Marie "Annie" Stratz (Ilczyszyn), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 63, with her family by her side. 

Born on April 6, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to Michaleen Ilczyszyn, Annie grew up in the heart of the Ukrainian Village. Her Ukrainian heritage was central to her identity-she attended Ukrainian school, sang in the church choir, and carried forward traditions of making pierogies at Christmas and baking Easter bread (Paska) each spring. These traditions became a treasured part of her daughters' and grandchildren's lives, connecting generations around the table. 

As a teenager, Annie met the love of her life, Richard Stratz Jr., while they were both working at Leaf Candy Company in Chicago. Rich worked in maintenance and Annie in the office, and their story was every bit as sweet as the candy that surrounded them. After dating for five years, they married on October 19, 1985, beginning nearly 40 years of love, laughter, and adventure together. 

They began their married life in Hanover Park, Illinois, later moving to Crystal Lake to raise their daughters, Stephanie (Don) Sutherland and Rachel (Reid) Hendrix. In 2007, Annie and Rich made Evergreen, Colorado their home, where Annie grew to love the mountain views, the summer rain showers, and the rolling thunder that echoed through the foothills. Annie spent much of her career in the real estate industry, supporting multiple real estate agents in both Illinois and Colorado. She was a dedicated mother while her girls were young and gave her time as a spirited Girl Scout troop leader. 

Annie had many passions-baking (best known for her pistachio bundt cake and chocolate éclair cake), hosting dinner parties, shopping for just the right find, traveling around the world, visiting botanical gardens, and enjoying concerts at Red Rocks. She delighted in raising a glass with a perfectly made lemon drop martini, especially in the company of family and friends. 

Those who knew Annie will remember her fierce love for her family and friends, her sharp wit and trademark sarcasm, her kindness, and her strength. To her grandchildren-Claire, Leona, Violet, and Ricky-she was their biggest cheerleader and source of endless love. To her friends, she was a loyal companion and the spark at every gathering. 

Annie is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Rich; her daughters, Stephanie (Don) Sutherland and Rachel (Reid) Hendrix; her grandchildren, Claire, Leona, Violet, and Ricky; and her cousin, Marie Troxell (Ilczyszyn). She was preceded in death by her mother, Michaleen Ilczyszyn, and her twin sister, Theresa Ilczyszyn. 

Two services will be held to celebrate Annie's life. The first will take place on Thursday, August 28 at Evergreen Memorial Park, 26624 N. Turkey Creek Road, Evergreen, CO, with visitation at 4:00 p.m., a Celebration of Life service at 5:00 p.m., and a reception at 6:00 p.m. In honor of Annie's vibrant spirit, we invite guests to wear colorful attire to this service. The second will be on Saturday, October 11 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Annie's memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at https://ocrahope.org. 

Annie's memory will live on in the laughter she inspired, the traditions she preserved, the thunderstorms she loved, the adventures she embraced, and the love she gave so generously.