Joan J. Notorangelo

Joan Josephine Notorangelo, 91, of Evergreen Park, Illinois entered Eternal Life on April 8, 2022 at UP Marquette Hospital after a vibrant and fulfilling life. Joan was born the first of two daughters (the late Jean Brzynski) to Joseph and Sophie (Guske) Zickus of Chicago Illinois on August 31, 1930. She married the late Nick Notorangelo on June 1, 1950. Together they shared nearly 60 years. They had five children: the late Victoria McDaniel (Mike), Joseph (the late Virginia), Michael, Nicholas (Tyra), and the late John Notorangelo. They also shared many grandchildren: April (Scott), Dana (Jason), Jennifer, Meghan (Anthony), Michael Henry, Car (Cameron), Laura, Max, Luke, and Isabella. Great-grandchildren Emilia, Lilly, Eve, Daisy, Jason Jr., James, and Joey. They also shared beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. After graduating from Nazareth Academy, Joan completed Business College which prepared her for a career as an executive secretary. Her career was put on hold during the raising of their children. Once grown, Joan worked as Assistant Director of Volunteer Services at The Little Company of Mary Hospital where she supervised the daily activities of the “Candy Stripers,” a job which brought her joy for doing God’s work for the welfare of the sick. Joan was passionate about practicing her faith at St Bernadette Church. She was an active member of the congregation for several decades and throughout its endurance of generational changes. She loved the Lord, said daily rosaries, and always saw life from an optimistic perspective. Joan loved to be active and spent much of her time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. She found joy in entertaining countless family gatherings; after marrying Nick she became accomplished at cooking traditional Italian meals, and no one ever left her home hungry. She treasured family golf outings, ski trips, costume parties, beach parties, sailing Lake Michigan, and was never one to shy away from an opportunity to be together with family and friends. Joan had the gift of artistry as a painter in oils, having painted many portraits, still life, and landscape paintings. Joan also loved her home in Evergreen Park, planting flowers and feeding the birds in her sanctuary of a yard. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30th at St Bernadette Catholic Church, 9343 South Francisco Avenue, Evergreen Park, Illinois 60805. Visitation 9am-10:30am with mass to follow. Services provided by Canale – Tonella Funeral Home, Marquette, Michigan. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence message at www.midwestmortuary.com