Barbara Jean Piazza

Barbara Jean Piazza (nee Agnich), age 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024, following a 10-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Barbara was born in Joliet, November 25, 1946, and spent her entire life in the Joliet area. She graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1964 and was employed by Joliet Prescription Shop as a Pharmacy Technician for more than 25 years.

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert M. and Margaret J. (nee Remko) Agnich, her sister Nancy Vallera, brother-in-law Anthony Vallera, and her brother Albert Agnich.

Barbara leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Terrence Sr., her children, Tracy (Jay) Dahlberg, Terrence Jr. (Sally) Piazza and Tina (Brian) Gieseke, ten grandchildren, Ivan, Olivia and Elliott Dahlberg, Gabrielle, Sydney and Brooke Piazza, Paige (fiancé Jon Miller), Logan, Claire and Molly Gieseke, her sisters Shirley (Donald) Alexander and Bonnie (nee Hagmayer) Agnich, puppies, Bailey, Callie and Winnie and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones also survive.

Barbara was the heart and soul of her family. She was immeasurably proud of her three children and their families. Her greatest joys were her ten grandchildren. You would often see her supporting and rooting her grandchildren on, as she spent countless hours at all their activities, competitions, and athletic events. Her car and closet representing her support of multiple schools. It was during these adventures that Barbara’s kindness and generosity touched the hearts of other people.

Barbara saw the good in people and her motto was, “Just be kind, you never know what people are going through.” She was a great listener and a generous, loving person who was always eager to lend a helping hand. Barbara loved crafting homemade cards and was infamous for sending cards to relatives and friends. She enjoyed old movies, puzzles, and feeding her birds, with an extensive collection of anything Cardinal.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Joseph Heng, whom Barbara called “My hero,” and the staff of Edward-Elmhurst Hospital for the excellent care they provided Barbara throughout her treatments. She always felt like she was with family when there.

The family invites relatives and friends to gather at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet on Thursday, July 25 from 3:00-8:00 pm with all guests encouraged to participate in a sharing of memories at 7:00 pm. On Friday, July 26 at 9:00 am, we will gather at Tezak’s before traveling in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave, Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Final prayers will follow Mass at the chapel at Woodlawn Memorial Park before interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park II.