JoAnn M. Fonseca

JoAnn M. (Zola) Fonseca, 87, of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family.

JoAnn was born in Joliet to the late John and Anna (Gaspardino) Zola on August 24, 1936. While attending Joliet Central, she was a cheerleader who cheered for a very special basketball player, Jesse. JoAnn and Jesse were married on May 21, 1955, and happily spent 62 years together. She retired in 1998 from the First American Bank after 17 years of dedicated service. JoAnn was an avid reader. She enjoyed trips to Four Winds casino with family and friends. She enjoyed watching Price is Right, cooking shows and murder mystery movies. JoAnn was known for giving great advice, her candor, and wittiness. Her commitment to being a proud, loving, and thoughtful grandmother and great grandmother will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

JoAnn was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. JoAnn is survived by her children, Perry (Peggy) Fonseca, and Catherine (Eric) Bushong; daughter-in-law, Joanne (late James) Fonseca; four grandchildren, Adam (Kristen) Fonseca, Jessica (Brendan) Harrington, Stephanie (Tony) Quinones, and Anna (Kyle) Murray; two great grandchildren, Ivey (her darling) Murray and Ronan Harrington. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband; beloved son, James’s “Jimmy” Fonseca; her brothers, John, Bernard "Sonny", Charles “Chuck” Zola and her sister, Katherine “Sis” Peterson. 

A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 with visitation being held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet,IL.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, 1800 Dearborn St., Crest Hill,IL and burial will follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Crest Hill,IL.