Owned interior design store in Beverly
SHEILA PIPER STANCZAK | 1944-2009 | St. Xavier grad traveled extensively with her husband of 42 years
Sheila Piper Stanczak had a creative side that she developed into a successful career. For more than 30 years, she owned an interior design shop in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. Her work is on display in homes throughout Beverly, including the historic Howe House and Driscoll House.
Mrs. Stanczak died Thursday at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Mo., after a 10-month battle with lung cancer. She was 64.
Mrs. Stanczak was born in Albany, N.Y. Her father served in the military and her family lived in various locales, including Germany. She attended grammar school, high school and Ohio State University while living in Columbus, Ohio.
She married John Stanczak, her husband of 42 years, in 1967. They lived for more than two years in Germany where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. After his tour of duty was up, the couple bought a VW camper and traveled around Europe for three months until their money ran out.
"She was passionate about the world and other cultures," said her daughter Felicia Stanczyk. "She was always up for an adventure and loved learning about all sorts of things."
One of those things was criminal justice, which she studied at St. Xavier University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1976. But she soon discovered she had a talent for interior design and pursued that career path.
Mrs. Stanczak was the owner of Papers and More, a paint and wallpaper store in Beverly. She also operated the interior design company Inner Limits.
"She had a great eye for color," her daughter said, "and was a master at creative design solutions."
Over the years, Mrs. Stanczak and her husband traveled extensively and welcomed a steady flow of foreign-exchange students into their home.
She also served as local care coordinator for Cultural Care Au Pair, an organization that places nannies with families in the Beverly community.
"It was a natural fit for her," her daughter said. "She loved being around people and loved showing off Chicago to these young people."
In addition to her husband and daughter, Mrs. Stanczak is survived by another daughter, Alexis; a son, Stephen; three brothers Charles, John and Philip Piper; two sisters, Kathy Kuhleman and Monica Silkaitis, and five grandchildren.
Visitation is from 3-8 p.m. today at Brady-Gill-Heeney Funeral Home, 2929 W. 87th, Evergreen Park. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 9900 S. Throop. Burial will be private.