JoAnne DeBarbera (Marchio)

Entered eternal life surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 89 years.  It was only fitting, that this woman of great faith went to meet the Lord on Good Friday.  Born on September 1, 1934, she entered this world just minutes after her identical twin sister and best friend, Joyce.  JoAnne was raised on Elmer Street in what was called "Soupbone Hill."  It was there that she was surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as developed lifelong friendships. She was a graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1952. Go Steelmen!

Her lifelong career as a Medical Assistant began with the practice of Dr. Theodore Polley and continued with Dr. Daniel Gutierrez until her retirement in 1996. JoAnne had the ability to know each patient by their name and treated each one with kindness and compassion.  She proudly served on the Will County Board of Health.

JoAnne was a devout Catholic, attending daily Mass for many years.  She was a member of the Church of St. Anthony where she was involved in the Christian Family Movement and later became a Eucharistic Minister.  In her later years she became a member of the Church of St. Jude.  After retirement, she volunteered serving meals for Catholic Charities Daybreak Shelter and treasured her visits to the sick and elderly to bring them communion.   In addition, she was appointed by Bishop Romeo Blanchette to serve on the Diocesan School Board.

JoAnne was a woman of many interests.  She enjoyed cheering on her favorite sports teams especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, The Illini, Notre Dame, JCA and SXU. She loved a good book and a glass of Merlot. She explored the world through travel.  She visited many countries but her heaven on earth was Siesta Key, Florida. She was very proud of her Austrian/Slovenian and Italian Heritage and was a member of the American Italian Cultural Society.

She was of the generation who were impeccably dressed and groomed.  She never left the house without makeup.  We used to say she would not walk to the mailbox without her lipstick on!

Of all the things she enjoyed in life, her greatest treasure was her family. Preceded in death by her husband Angelo DeBarbera, parents Thomas and Lillian Marchio, brother Thomas Marchio Jr., brother-in-law Donald Reynolds Sr., niece Karen Reynolds and grandson Andrew Prospero.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughters and their husbands, Andrea (John) DiVecchio, Theresa (Michael) Prospero and Paula (Jason) Taylor.  Adoring grandchildren, Danielle (Jason) Adolph, Natalie (Adam) Parrish, Francesca (Camden) Meade, Joshua (Meghan) Dolph, Kristin (Lamont, fiancé) Dolph, Zachary (Lindsay) Dolph and Caroline (Derrick, fiancé) Taylor.  Precious great-grandchildren Landon, Eliana, Andrew, Gianna, Briella, Eden, Kaliah, Noah, Lucas, Aaron, Logan, and baby Dolph due in April. Also survived by her twin sister Joyce Reynolds, Molly Marchio, Janice (James) Columbus, Janet (Alexander) Bonds and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Govind Ramadurai, Patty Petersen NP, Terri and Ed from Newsome Home Healthcare and her caregivers Violet and Rasa for their compassionate care.

Memorials in JoAnne's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( DONATE )

Funeral Friday April 5, 2024 at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport with prayers at 8:30am and then proceeding to St. Jude Catholic Church (2212 McDonough St., Joliet) for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville.  Visitation Thursday April 4, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com