Josephine Fowler
Josephine Anne Fowler passed away on November 24, 2021 of natural causes. She was a long-time resident of Downers Grove, Illinois and an active member of Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church (Lisle, Illinois).
Josephine was born on February 23, 1925 in LaSalle, Illinois. She was the daughter of Joseph Scheck and Josephine Furlan Scheck. Both parents immigrated to the United States from Slovenia. She was preceded in death by her six siblings: Donald Scheck, Dorothy Erwin, Helen Bertalan, Mary Anderson, Anne Schultz, and Joseph Scheck. Josephine is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families disbursed throughout the country.
Josephine was a dietitian with bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Illinois awarded in 1948 and 1958, respectively. She joined Edward Hines VA Hospital (Hines, IL) in 1958 and was employed there until her retirement in 1986. Previous professional employment included Wesley Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) and the Kellogs Company (Battle Creek, MI). Josephine also proudly served four years in the United States Army (1952-1955) as a Hospital Dietitian, having been promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant and stationed in Missouri and Maryland.
Josephine was a woman of strong character, genuine compassion, and even temperament who lived and practiced her Catholic faith. She was a life-long learner with a spirit of adventure who traveled extensively in the US and overseas. Josephine also led a life of service to others; she was a volunteer at the Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL) and taught English to second-language learners.
Family and friends were fundamental to Josephine. She was embraced by her extended family and a welcome participant in the lives of her nieces and nephews. “Aunt Jo” to some, “Auntie Jo” to others, she was an extraordinary person who will be fondly remembered by all of those whose lives she touched. Josephine is now at peace with her Lord and Savior.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Friday December 10, 2021 at St. Joan of Arc Church, 820 Division St, Lisle, IL. Inurnment in LaSalle, IL will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center, 513 West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, IL 60614 would be appreciated.
I first met Jo when I moved into the Cameo condominium at 5300 Walnut Ave. in March, 2014. My apartment was directly across the hall from hers. Over time we got acquainted and became friendly. I tried to help her out occasionally with what she called “mechanical problems” in her apartment. After she quit driving and disposed of her car, I took her on periodic trips to the grocery store, bank and other places. In exchange, she allowed me to rent her condo garage for a nominal sum. This went on for several years until she suffered her fall and resulting injury, and had to be relocated to Oak Trace nursing home for rehabilitation.
I will always remember Jo as being the kind and gracious lady that she was!
Paul, Jo spoke of you often. She so appreciated all you did for her! As do I and her family! You were there to help her in ways we could not, being that we lived at a considerable distance. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being so kind to our Aunt Jo.
Paul, Jo treasured her relationship with you. When there was no one there to provide daily assistance, you were constantly there for her. Thank you. I’m glad you got the garage!
Aunt Jo was a treasured soul to us all, she was an inspiration to us that knew her and loved her. She’ll forever be in our hearts.
To us six nieces and nephews in the Bertalan family, she was always “Auntie Jo.” She truly loved everyone of us including Frank and Helen Bertalan, her sister and brother-in-law. I remember so many times that Auntie Jo would visit us in McLean Virginia. She always took a special interest in everyone of us, asking very pertinent questions about each one of us, how we were doing, how school was going, how sports were going, etc. in each one of our lives. We always looked forward to her visit, they were so special, and so filled with her sweet loving heart. We certainly miss Auntie Jo,, and will never ever forget her.
Jo worked with my Aunt Elva as a dietician in Chicago and then
became a wonderful friend to my parents who were newly
married at the time.
I know how much all who knew her will miss her.
My sweet “Auntie Jo” was the last of the wonderful Scheck generation, among the youngest of 7 siblings. She was my mother Helen’s younger sister by several years and they had a special sisterly bond.
Jo was a gentle person. She was so kind-hearted, intelligent and giving. She always knew what was going on in the world, and she traveled so extensively, with knowledge about so many things. making her a great conversationalist. And Jo was such a strong woman of faith. She lived her love for the Lord.
I’m so thankful to have had the chance to visit her along with my son John, her great nephew, two and a half years ago, while she was still independent in her beloved home of many years. Although her life was limited at the time by difficulty getting about, she was ever cheerful and grateful. I know she remained that way until the end, patiently enduring what none of us would want to suffer through after her fall and necessary care in the nursing facilities that became her new home. Jo had no children of her own but she loved and claimed us, her nieces and nephews. How thankful I am for her life and the way she enriched my life for the 63 years I knew Auntie Jo.
A special thanks to Roxane and Joe and all who cared for her over the last years. I so appreciate my cousin Mark’s lovely words as he wrote about Aunt Jo, posted here.
I believe Auntie Jo is now in heaven with Jesus, and it is with joy that I say I will see her again one day!
My Dear Sweet Auntie Jo was really special in my life. To me she was a gentle and kind soul. I loved getting so many cards sent for occasions like Christmas and birthdays. I’ll always remember her stories of her older sister, our Mother Helen Bertalan. The last time with her was on the porch of Joan Friedman’s home (my sister). She went on and on about growing up in LaSalle, IL. with her brothers and sisters. Other times I remember visiting her in Downers Grove, and many other visits. Thank you to cousins Roxane and Mark for taking great care of her these past few years. And Joe. I will miss Auntie Jo, but trust she is in heaven with many she loved, spending Christmas with Jesus this year.
Oh sweet and good Auntie Jo! How I miss you!
Auntie Jo was so gentle and kind and yet always practical and so intelligent. On thing that I always think of is her humility; she had her masters degree in dietary health but she never boasted about this, she just went about her way and lived her life graciously.
She loved all her nieces and nephews and I remember as a child, one of the seven Bertalan children, her visits to us: they were always special and we were so excited when she came. Her loyalty and love for our family and her sister Helen was so evident.
The last time I saw her she visited my family in Denver, Colorado. My mother Helen was living with us at that time. We took a day trip up Guanella pass, down in to Georgetown and then over to Leadville. The ride up the pass was steep and exciting, and she loved it. In Georgetown she helped me pick out an antique blue and white flowered vase: every time I look at it all the memories of Auntie Jo come flooding back. It brings tears.
But what she loved the most was our stop at a local tavern in Leadville complete with one of those huge antique wood bars with ornate mirrors. We sat on barstools and she relished her dark, heavy beer, along with her sister! We had such a good time laughing and enjoying old memories.
What a dear. I’ll love you forever, Aunti Jo
I hope and pray to see you in Heaven, where I believe you will be….
Auntie Jo was the youngest of a great Scheck generation. That was one reason why it was so easy for her and i to relate to each other. Another reason was her sincerely thoughtful treatment of everyone. She was a skillful listener who always responded with significant questions or comments.
It’s hard to know where to begin. Auntie Jo was such a part of our lives growing up, and later as adults. She was extremely kind and gentle – always. She and my Mother were specially bonded; I saw such similarities in both of them.
I was impressed by her never forgetting our birthdays and other special occasions.
I attended the University of Wisconsin the summer after graduating from high school (1969!!!). She hosted my girlfriend and I for a week, taking us sightseeing and fun seeking all around Chicago. She attended my wedding to John in 1973 in Norman,OK, as well as the celebration of my parent’s 50th Anniversary in Rapid City, SD in 1984 (?). She also traveled to Seattle in 2010 to be a part of my oldest daughter’s, Erin, wedding to Tom Fritz.
To say that Dear Auntie Jo was an important part of my life can’t begin to express how much she meant to me and my love for her.
I wish I could be there to help celebrate her life. She was a gift to each of us. I will be forever grateful to Roxanne, Mark and Joe for being with her these last years. I can only imagine what a comfort you were to her.
I feel certain that she is being welcomed in the Arms of God. I truly do not know of a more sweet, God-loving, and deserving lady.
May God bless you, Auntie Jo, with His special Love and Mercy.