Joan Kowalewski

Joan Norma (Johnson) Kowalewski, a long-time resident of Franklin Park, passed away May 21, 2010 after struggling with cancer for many months. Born in 1931 in Alton, Illinois, Joan attended Alton High School in Alton, Illinois. After high school, Joan began working in the shoe industry where she met the love of her life, Jacob C. Kowalewski. They were married in April of 1957. They had one son, Boyd, and spent many happy years together living in Franklin Park. Joan worked for many years in the restaurant business. Her outgoing personality and big smile made her a favorite with customers and co-workers alike. She often came home from work telling stories of all the people she had met that day and many times customers became her lifelong friends. Joan was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in River Grove, Illinois. In addition to worshiping the Lord, Joan enjoyed many roles in the church, but especially loved quilting with the other ladies of the church. Golf was a passion for Joan. She loved to play with her friends whenever possible and enjoyed her annual golf trips with them. She and her son Boyd spent many hours on the phone discussing their own golf games and the current PGA tournaments. She is survived by her son Boyd, daughter-in-law Wendy and step-granddaughter Jordan, all of Texas. She is also survived by her sister Vera Bierbaum of Bunker Hill, Illinois. Joan is preceded in death by her husband Jacob and her brother, Gene. A memorial service for Joan will be held on June 13 at 3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.