JoAnne (Simunovich) Horvat

With profound sadness we announce the passing of JoAnne Horvat, our loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched. JoAnne, age 80, a resident of Shorewood, passed away peacefully October 4, 2021 at her home with her loving family at her side.

JoAnne was a life-long resident of the Joliet/Shorewood area, a graduate of St. Francis Academy (class of 59) and member of St. Joseph’s Church. JoAnne lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She thoroughly enjoyed her time working at Spencer’s Jewelry and the friendships made along the way.

On August 13,1960 JoAnne married Bob and the love they had for each other was truly an endless love. Together they created a solid family foundation. JoAnne had the gift of being able to truly listen and to make everyone feel comfortable, secure, and loved. She gave selflessly of her time and love. Over the years she enjoyed trips to the mall, winning the penny slots, enjoying a cheeseburger and good Bloody Mary, winter months relaxing in the Florida sun, and most importantly making special memories with her grandchildren.

JoAnne was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandma and most recently “grandma-grandma”. She instilled in her children the importance of a loving family, never judged and always supported each and every step of her children’s adventures. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

JoAnne is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Robert Horvat Sr. (Hoppy) and children, Lori (Jeff) Heilstedt, Robert Horvat Jr. (Melissa), Chris McCabe and Jeff Slimick; grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Horvat, Robbie Vallera, Jessica (Joe) Gruben, Joseph Vallera, Sammy Boehm, Amanda Boehm, and Kate Horvat; great-grandchildren, Nathan Horvat and Ellie Gruben; brother Joe Simunovich; brother-in-law Ray (Gladys) Horvat; sister-in-law, MaryAnn (Joseph) Pluth. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by her beloved daughter Mary Fran (nickname, Marfie); parents, Joseph and Frances (nee Chebuhar) Simunovich; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary (nee Kobe) Horvat; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Josephine Ercegovich, Catherine (Walter) Sargent, Joseph (Eileen) Horvat, Dorothy (Joseph) Lakotich, Delores (Leonard Sr.) Suhadolc, Evelyn (Lou) Mauro, Rose (Lou) Meyers, Lorraine (Ralph) Wedic and Teresa (Nick) Rousonelos.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Lightways Hospice (nurse, Jennifer) for the compassionate care given to JoAnne and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in JoAnne’s name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated.

Per JoAnne’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and JoAnne will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Joliet.