Joanne Barbara Mankivsky
Joanne Barbara Mankivsky, 85, of Downers Grove, formerly of Western Springs for over 60 years. Born on August 20, 1934 to her parents, E. Paul and Ferne Irene Carlson, and born into eternal life in Heaven on December 30, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Alex, her children, Robert (Roberta) of Elburn, Illinois and William (Allison) of Westwood, Massachusetts, her grandchildren, Andrew (Hailey) of Sycamore, Illinois, Matthew (Lauren) of Nunica, Michigan, Addam R. J. Gonzales (Samantha) of Elburn, Illinois, Sarah and Alex, her great-grandchildren, Harper and Logan Mankivsky and JaeLynn Jaramillo Gonzales and lots of friends.
Jan enjoyed summers in Door County and numerous friends there. She also enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing, playing bridge with friends, book club, bible study and visiting with her friends, but, most of all, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all else, she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose presence she is enjoying now.
She loved her career as an occupational therapist, and was an early graduate of the University of Illinois Occupational Therapy program.
Jan is predeceased by her parents, by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and her beloved dog, Dutchess, who greeted her in Heaven.
Jan will be greatly missed by her family and so many friends, but we know that we will see her again.
We will say “’til we see you again” at a visitation to be held from 5 to 8pm Friday, January 3, 2020 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 – 75th Street, Downers Grove, and at a funeral service to be held there at 10am on Saturday, January 4, 2020. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army or Touched By An Animal. A Memorial Service, celebrating Jan’s life will be held at Oak Trace Senior Living in Downers Grove at a later date. Funeral home phone 630/964-6500.
We’re so sorry to lose Jan as part of our “Pool Pal” group (from Oak Brook Racquet & Fitness). We enjoyed our get-togethers with her. She was always a lot of fun and welcomed my two red-headed grandsons to a couple of her luncheons. It’s comforting to know she’s with Jesus in Heaven, but we will definitely miss her in this present life. She and I volunteered with the MOPS program at Christ Church, so it was also nice getting to know her as a fellow Christian. Thanks for being part of our lives Jan! We will see you again some day. May good memories of her sustain you, Alex, and your children and grandchildren as you go through this sad time.
Bonnie Cordaro
Although I barely knew Jan, I always found her to be very pleasant and cheerful. She made people feel welcome.
Blessings to her and her family.
Jan and I were Benet (Academy) moms at the same time. We had wonderful conversations. I only wish I had learned to play bridge
so that I could have spent more time with her. I still remember her 80th birthday party at Ruth Lake C.C. It was such a beautiful event. She will be missed.
I am a Bener Academy grandma and Jan and I discussed this all the time. We had a lot of talks in the pool (not always doing our exercises). I will miss seeing her. Sympathies to all.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and comfort you all at this time