Joanne Rosemary Portegys

Age 88 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday May 12, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born May 21, 1936 in Chicago, Joanne was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Ranftle) Pagliaro. She grew up on the south side of Chicago, where she developed a strong foundation of faith and community. Joanne attended Resurrection Academy on the north side of the city, and graduated with the Class of 1955 from Lourdes High School.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Joanne lovingly raised five children, dedicating many years to the well-being of her family. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her home when she entered the workforce as an activity director for a skilled care facility in downtown Joliet. From 1976 to 1989, she served faithfully at St. Paul the Apostle Parish under Fr. Burns. Joanne later continued her ministry at St. Liborius Parish in Steger, where she worked until her retirement in 2006.

Joanne was a devoted member of both St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Coal City. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a committed prayer warrior, always offering intentions for those in need. Known affectionately for her 2:00 p.m. tea time in the church office, she brought warmth and tradition to every space she occupied.

A woman of many talents, Joanne found joy in oil painting, gardening, and crafting. She had a deep appreciation for handmade items and surrounded herself with meaningful collectibles. Her creative spirit and kind heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Above all, Joanne cherished her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest blessings, and she took immense pride in their lives. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Survivors include her son, James Joseph (Kaye) Bowman of North Dakota and daughter, Kathleen (Michael) Marconi of St. John, Indiana; step-children: Agnes Limacher of Joliet, Tom (Shirley) Portegys of DeKalb, Martha Jones of Joliet, Patrick (Debbie) Portegys of Ocala, Florida and Julie Crews of St. Louis, Missouri; (42) grandchildren and great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; first husband and the father of her children, James J. Bowman, Sr.; second husband, Nicholas Portegys and third husband, John Cavallero; two daughters: Patricia Siegel and Jeanne Marie Parker and one son, Michael Bowman.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Friday, May 16, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday morning, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. Rev. Josh Miller will preside.

Burial will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Romeoville.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joanne’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)