Joanna Sosnowski
Joanna Sosnowski, 83, died suddenly and peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2020, at her residence in Westmont, IL.
Joanna was born in Chicago to parents Walter and Josephine Lesniak, and grew up with her brother Walter and sister Sylvia. She married Richard Sosnowski in 1961, and enjoyed 50 years of marriage until his death in 2012. She was a long-time resident of LaGrange Park, IL. She is survived by her sister Sylvia McElderry; her children David (Nicole), Maria Sosnowski (James Gurule), and Debra (Brian) Barrett; her grandchildren Morgan Sosnowski, Alden and Terren Gurule, and Elena and Alexander Barrett; and her nieces and nephews Steve McElderry, Linda Smedley, Wayne McElderry, Carol Leyden, Diane McElderry, Jim McElderry, and Kevin Flynn. She was preceded in death by her brother and her beloved son Michael.
Joanna was an avid reader, and worked at several libraries throughout the western suburbs for many years. She volunteered tirelessly at St Francis Xavier in LaGrange, with BEDS in the western suburbs, and with the LaGrange Park Friends of the Library. She loved being a grandmother and spending time with family and friends.
Services will be arranged for Joanna when it is safe for us to gather post-pandemic.
She would have appreciated memorials sent to two of the places she gave to so generously of her time and energy: St. Francis Xavier, 124 N Spring Ave, LaGrange, IL 60525 (https://www.givecentral.org/location/218/event/5287) or to LaGrange Park Friends of the Library, 555 N LaGrange Rd, LaGrange Park IL 60526.
David,
Dan and I are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. You, your daughter and the rest of your family are in our prayers. May the Lord keep you in the palm of his hand and give you peace.
David, Maria, and Debra and your families,
I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s death. She was a gem and all of you were the gifts in her life. She told me that herself. Her strong but gentle presence in so many ways were her gifts shared in the community of St Francis. I am grateful for that and for friendship shared with her and your Dad. No doubt he and Michael were waiting in the place where her God is. May she know eternal peace.
Father Bill Stenzel
Thank you so much, Father Bill. She thought the world of you. If anyone deserves eternal peace, it’s my mom.
Maria
David, Maria, and Debbie my Dad and I want to say how terribly sorry we are that your Mom (Aunt Joanna) has passed. I have nothing but wonderful, peaceful, and loving memories of Aunt Joanna. Smiling, calming, insightful, funny, moments and potato pancakes. I believe in my heart that Michael and Uncle Richard have welcomed her with them.
Thanks Kevin. It’s hard to lose her, but I appreciate hearing your memories.
Deb, Maria and David:
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. You and your parents were truly good neighbors; we were fortunate to move next door to you all. Take good care, be safe and cherish your memories.
Jen, Jim, Cait and Sara Burklow
Thank you. You guys are great neighbors. We may have added that on the listing when Joanna sold.
We all really appreciated how Jim took care of things for Joanna after Richard died.
Definitely – it was always a comfort to mom and to us knowing you were next door. There were many times I told mom “just call Jim” when she needed a quick pair of hands. We so appreciate the care he took when she was widowed. Her yard literally never looked better! Thanks so much for your wishes.
We learned of Joanna’s passing and send our condolences. Joanna was a Communion minister at St. Francis with us. Her memory will keep her alive in our hearts.