Aurora Derdzinski (Nee Navarro)

Derdzinski, Aurora

Aurora Derdzinski (Navarro) died June 25, 2026 at age 92.  Married to Kenneth for almost 73 years.  Daughter of Rafael and Aurora (Cardenas) Navarro.  Sister of Mary, Rafael, Olga, Edna, Consuelo, Herberto, Alicia, Yolanda and Armando. All deceased.  Further survived by her nine children: Michael (Karen) Derdzinski, Patrick (Mary) Derdzinski, Debra (Steve) Matt, Donna (Michael) Esser, Denise (Michael) McHugh, John (Robin) Derdzinski, James Derdzinski, Therese (Alex) Renk and Joseph (Kathy) Derdzinski.  Grandmother to 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  Graduate of St. Henry’s grade school and high school in San Antonio, Texas where she also attended Lady of the Lake University.  As a mother of nine, Mom was well organized and measured in her desire for well mannered children that were free to explore their varied interests and activities.  Mom was social by nature and was noted for regular trips to the zoo, library and museums.  Spontaneous summer picnics were always joyous occasions.  While raising nine children had its challenges, she recognized and supported the unique needs and talents of each child.

As children grew older and moved out, Mom welcomed others to fill the empty rooms including foreign exchange students and temporary workers from other countries.  Her religious faith fueled and provided direction for all her activities.  A product of Catholic education from primary school through college, she raised her children in a similar fashion.  Often holding leadership roles, Mom was active in Home and School, CFM,  Christian Women, Scouting and the St. Thoms More High School Board of Directors, among others.  She made a positive impression on everyone she met; including the Monsignor, who married Mom and Dad on July 10, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas.  He traveled by train in 1963 just so he could check in and see how the young family was doing.

Noted for her homemaking skills, she made many of her children’s clothes; most memorable was set of matching madras shirts and shorts (along with crew cuts for boys) on a family trip to Texas.  Mom taught everyone basic skills (including the boys): cooking, canning, cleaning and “darning” socks.  Mom will be missed as our beautiful confidant, educator, creative muse and faith filled role model.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 9:30AM-11AM at St. Alphonsus  Parish (6060 W. Loomis Rd, Greendale, WI. 53129) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM.  Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery.

Memorials will be sent to St. Thomas More High School and it’s Aurora Navarro Derdzinski Memorial Fund: 2601 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, Wi. 53207.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES