Joan E. (Batson) Lewandowski

Joan Elizabeth Lewandowski (nee Batson), age 93, of Joliet, IL, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017 at her residence. Joan was born May 26, 1923, in Leicester, England, the daughter of John Thomas and Kate Jones Batson. She married Walter Lewandowski, a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in England, on October 21, 1944, at Holy Cross Church in Leicester, England. Joan came to the U.S. in 1946 with her infant son Vincent via the S.S. Cristobal, one of many World War II transport ships that carried war brides and their children from England to the States.

Survivors include her son, Vincent Lewandowski of Joliet, IL; two grandsons, Scott (Nancy) Lewandowski of Joliet, IL and Steven (Michelle) Lewandowski of Rockdale, IL; 5 great-grandchildren, Abigail, Blake, and Cara Lewandowski and Logan and Kylie Lewandowski; a brother, Lawrence Batson of Leicester, England; dear friend and former daughter-in-law, Barbara (Baron) Westphal of Crest Hill, IL; dear friend and caring neighbor, Georgene Williams of Joliet, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 10 brothers and sisters.

Joan worked for S.O.S. and Miles Laboratory in Bedford Park, IL, for over 20 years and was also a housekeeper for several business and offices in downtown Joliet. While she truly enjoyed her work years, she was happiest in her roles as loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. While Joan never drove a car a day in her life, she wore out the wheels on strollers, since she “walked” her grandsons Scott and Steve all over town during their pre-school years. Up until just this past fall, she took daily walks with her walker to stay active and fit. She was also fond of playing bingo, cards and chatting with folks, even strangers, who found both she and her cute English accent most endearing. Joan will be so very, very missed. To know her was to love her.

A celebration of Joan’s life will begin on Friday, February 10, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 826 Elizabeth Street, Joliet, IL, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.