Joanne Fitzpatrick

Age 79 of Wilmington, Illinois died Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Born July 23, 1943 in Joliet, Illinois Joanne was the daughter of Nicola “China” and Rose (Groff) Macaluso. She was raised in Coal City; graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1961, and went on her earn her Associates Degree in Journalism from Joliet Junior College.

On June 4, 1964, Joanne married Raymond Fitzpatrick in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they made a home in Wilmington, and raised six children. Joanne was a dedicated wife and mother, who was always involved in supporting her children’s education. She assisted as a room mother for the kids classes, volunteered for hot lunch days and was proud to always pitch in to help at St. Rose School through their various fundraising efforts during her kids years in school and beyond. Joanne was a Girl Scout Leader and also supported Ray’s involvement with the Wilmington Fire Department as a ‘Fire Bell’.

Church and community were important to Joanne, and in addition to being active with St. Rose Parish through Parish Council, CCW, Bible Study, Pre-Cana, Focus Classes, and teaching Religious Education, Joanne also contributed to the community. She and Ray were part of the original Catfish Days Committee; she served as a Democratic Election Judge for many years, and was also elected by the community to both a Library Trustee position for 10 years, and as a Wilmington Township Trustee for 20 years.

Joanne’s career as a librarian began at St. Rose School, which spanned from 1982 until 1988. She then gained a librarian position with the Wilmington Public Library, where she worked for the following 20 years, until retiring in 2008.

In her spare time, Joanne enjoyed gardening, a trait in which she gained from her father. She was quite crafty, and her creativity could create most anything out of nothing. Holidays were particularly important to Joanne, as it not only brought family together, but it also allowed for her to decorate and express her love of the day. Her Halloween displays were amazing, and her collection of Santa’s were vast. Joanne was one who was always ready to lend an ear to listen, and she will be most remembered for her love of sending cards with confetti, or as the family coined “Nana Flakes”.

Without a doubt, the bright flames of life, always so steadfast and present, may waver without Joanne's unique spark. But we will find the strength to fan this flame and carry forward, brightening the world as Joanne has done tirelessly. We will continue to carry her legacy to the future, and keep her memories close to our hearts. May family and friends alike continue to gather and share the stories to honor Joanne’s creativity and how she made the world a better place.  In this way, we keep her beautiful spirit alive and can continue to inspire others as she so inspired each of us.

Survivors include her children: Lisa Rae (Anthony) Boyer of Lockport, Illinois, Dennis John (Tracie) Fitzpatrick of Manhattan, Illinois, Laurie Sue (Stephen) Lam of Camarillo, California, Douglas Fitzpatrick of Wilmington, Rachael (Daniel) Cimino of Coal City, Illinois and Joseph Anthony Fitzpatrick of Maryland Heights, Missouri; grandchildren: Sean Patrick Lam of San Francisco, California, Sarah Danielle Lam of Santa Barbara, California, John Raymond Boyer of Lockport, Allison Joanne Boyer, currently studying at John Hopkins, Aidan James Fitzpatrick, currently studying at Arizona State University, Meaghan Rae Fitzpatrick, currently studying at Mizzou University, and Dominic Joseph Cimino, Jacob Vincent Cimino and Augustus James Cimino, all of Coal City; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Donna and Rob Flowers of Tempe, Arizona and Joliet, Illinois and Leroy and Barb Steffes of Lockport; nieces and nephews: Sheri and Ron Menelli of Carlsbad, California, Holly and Dan Pierson of Morris, Illinois, Chris and Meghan Flowers of Valencia, California, Michael and Tara Steffes of Downers Grove, Illinois and Traci and T.J. Valacack of Schaumburg, Illinois, as well as (13) great nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray in 2002; one brother, Anthony Macaluso; her sister-in-law, Nancy Steffes and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joe and Dorothy Fitzpatrick.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until time of service, 7:00 p.m. Deacon Jay Plese from St. Rose Parish in Wilmington will preside.

A private family inurnment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Joanne will be laid to rest with her late husband, Ray.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests cards be sent to someone special without occasion, to brighten the recipient's day.  In the true spirit of Joanne, fill those cards with special messages of love, encouragement, support, and add some fun confetti.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Joanne’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)