JoAnn Francis Gross

JoAnn Francis Gross, 75, of Springfield, passed away on Friday May 22, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born on February 19, 1940 in Springfield to William and Christina Granito Broska. She married Richard Lee Gross in Springfield on June 19, 1966 and he survives.

JoAnn is also survived by one son Jason (Dorothy) Gross of Springfield, one daughter Amy (Steven) Churchill of Williamsville, and four grandchildren: Rachel and Charles Gross of Springfield and Leanna and Eric Churchill of Williamsville.

Mrs. Gross was a graduate of Illinois State University majoring in Art Education. JoAnn and her husband owned Art Center Frames Unlimited in Springfield from 1971-1987, and she worked with her husband at Dick Blick Art Materials from 1987-2010. She was active in Springfield’s theatre and arts community acting as an educator and volunteer for many events including the Muni, Springfield Ballet Co., and the Old State Capitol Art Fair.

Private family services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mid Central Illinois Region of Scholastic Art Awards c/o 2001 Barberry Dr. Springfield, IL. 62704