Magdalena Korving

Magdalena Korving, 89, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. 

She was born on July 18, 1935, in Kutjevo, Yugoslavia, to Adam and Rosalia (Reiter) Reif. As a young girl, she and her family were taken to a concentration camp when communists sought their farmland. A Holocaust survivor, she was rescued by American forces just before facing the unthinkable. With courage and hope, she and her family began a new chapter in America, arriving through Ellis Island to build a life filled with opportunity and love.

It was in Chicago that she met her beloved husband, Martin Korving, while they worked together at Switchcraft. Their love story began with friendship and grew into a devoted marriage of nearly 60 years. They married on September 24, 1955, at St. Michael Church in Chicago. Martin preceded her in death on August 26, 2014.

Magdalena had a heart as beautiful as the flowers she loved to plant and nurture. Whether in her garden, decorating her home with vibrant colors, or caring for those around her, she radiated a gentle joy that was simply contagious. She never had a harsh word to say about anyone, never complained, and carried a peaceful, content spirit that left an imprint on all who knew her. She loved animals, a good meal from Chick-fil-A, and, most of all, time with her family.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Diana (Robert) Smithana, David Korving, and Martin Korving, Jr.; her grandchildren, Theodore (Lauren) Kopis, Tennessa (Ken Koons) Kopis, Matthew (Alissa) Kopis, Kristina Smithana, Ryan Smithana, Jazlyn Korving, and Kiana Korving; and her cherished great-grandchildren. Magdalena was preceded in death by her daughter, Ingrid Kopis, and her brother, John Kassal.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, from 9:30 a.m. until the service at 10:30 a.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles.