Ann Finnegan Jonaitis

Beloved wife of the late Charlie Jonaitis. Cherished mother of Katie (Brian) Lutz and David Jonaitis. Adoring grandmother, "Granny Jo" to Audrey, Paddy, Danny and Matthew Lutz.

Ann grew up in Wilmette, Illinois. She attended St. Francis Xavier School and Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest.

At 19 years old, Ann felt called to religious life and became a nun, taking her vows at Kenwood Convent in Albany, New York. Her years in religious life took her across the country and beyond. She lived for a time in a cloistered convent in Chicago, taught in Chicago Public Schools and at Woodlands Academy, earned a master’s degree in education from Columbia University in New York, and later taught at a university in Venezuela.

After 15 years, Ann left religious life. She later met Charlie, they were married and had 2 children. Ann devoted herself to raising David and Katie. When David was young, Ann became involved in his education and development. At a time when the inclusion model in special education was still emerging, she immersed herself in research, attended school board meetings, and worked closely with educators to ensure he received the best possible support.

Ann became an advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Alongside her husband, she participated in a foster program for infants with Down syndrome, opening her home to several babies during the early years of her children’s lives. Her compassion extended far beyond her own family.

Through volunteer work at McKenzie elementary school and Wilmette Junior High, Ann helped transform the local school system into one recognized for its exceptional special education services. Many families later shared that they chose to move to Wilmette specifically because of the programs she helped build. She was widely regarded as an “engine”—someone who drove change rather than waiting for it.

Ann led Katie’s Girl Scout troop for many years. Taking tween girls on trips to places like Springfield, Mammoth Cave and the Rainforest Cafe takes a special kind of patience.

Later in life, Ann worked at the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Lutheran General Hospital, one of the few clinics in the country dedicated to adults with Down syndrome. There, she created a resource library, supported families navigating complex situations and provided guidance with patience, clarity, and deep empathy. Her impact was felt by countless families, many of whom continued to speak of her as a guiding force in their lives.

Ann was an avid reader who found joy in quiet hours spent with a book. She was a frequent visitor to the Wilmette Library. She often said that she belonged to “too many” book clubs. She had a lovely little corner of her house with a cozy chair next to a built-in bookshelf, her own small sanctuary.

Ann Jonaitis is remembered with deep love and gratitude—for her wisdom, her patience, her bravery, and her boundless heart.

Visitation at Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home in Wilmette, January 29, 2026 from 4-7pm. Funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Wilmette, January 30, 11am.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Adult Down Syndrome Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Adult Down Syndrome Center.