Longtime volunteer was knitting to the very end

One of the most prolific volunteers at Northwest Community Hospital has passed away.

Gertrude Modjeske of Arlington Heights knitted more than 350 newborn caps over the last four years. She first picked up a knitting needle in 2007, at the age of 95.

"She was one of those people who wanted to stay active and who wanted to contribute," said Mary Jo Dailey, volunteer services director at Northwest Community Hospital, who added that Mrs. Modjeske had nearly 2,000 hours of service.

Mrs. Modjeske passed away on Wednesday, just four days shy of her 99th birthday. Family members say she had worked on the caps nearly until the end and that they will bring a bag of them into the hospital soon.

"We always tell parents that these are handmade by our volunteers," Dailey added. "It just adds another personal touch."

Mrs. Modjeske's volunteer efforts were documented in the hospital's new history book, "Rooted in Community, Reaching New Heights" that came out in December.

Interviewed for the book, she reflected back to the late 1950s, when she and her husband, Gene, lived in Prospect Heights. They contributed to the grass-roots campaign to build the hospital, paying off their monthly pledge, "just like the electric bill."

Her investment in the community hospital came full circle when near the end of her life she offered a personal welcome to newborn infants and their families.

"Our volunteers never meet the families who take home their newborns in these hand knitted caps," Dailey added, "but they are always very appreciative."

Mrs. Modjeske liked to knit with the Chicago Cubs playing ball in the background.

"If the game gets too exciting," she told her interviewer, "I have to put the knitting down."

Knitting wasn't her only volunteer activity. She also served on the "mail team" at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, faithfully helping out every Wednesday.

"She was so engaged in life," says her daughter, Dee Bigham of Arlington Heights. "She enjoyed so many activities up until the end."

Her husband, George, said his mother-in-law inspired everyone around her with her energy and interest in serving others.

"She was a poster child for growing older," he said.

Besides her daughter, Mrs. Modjeske is survived by another daughter, Jeanne (Roy) Schodlter of Findlay, IL; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of Mrs. Modjeske's life was held Jan. 19 at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington.