Johanna M. Kovac

Johanna Marie Kovac, age 52, of Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15th 2023. She was born on May 30th, 1971 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL and was raised in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. She attended St. Simon grammar school, where she was both a cheerleader and volleyball player, and Maria Catholic High School, where she was on the swim team. After high school, Johanna continued her education, graduating in 1994 from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Johanna raised her daughter Kaila herself, since the passing of Kaila’s father in 2004. As a single parent, she provided Kaila with the best opportunities possible, and supported her through each and every endeavor. She truly loved her with all her heart and will be forever with her. Johanna also cared for her parents, especially in their elder years, and helped everyone she possibly could.

Throughout her career, Johanna dedicated herself wholeheartedly to improving the lives of those who experienced challenges that come with existence. She worked at the Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens and Northwestern Counseling Service for nearly 10 years, providing supportive mental health services and protecting the youth. She then continued the next 20 years, working as a Case Manager for the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, where she did treatment planning, counseling, medication monitoring, and secured benefits & housing for severely mentally-ill individuals. Additionally, she worked as a caregiver for the elderly through Visiting Angels. Johanna extended her compassion from the youth and elderly, to those afflicted by mental illness. She lived a life of service to people of all cultures, religions, and genders.

Johanna appreciated life through loving Earth’s beauty. She found joy in taking care of her dogs, watching the birds, and nurturing all of God’s creatures. She found peace by enjoying nature, dipping her toes in the ocean, and soaking in the rays of sun. She found love through spending time with her life-long friends sharing moments of tears and laughter. She led her life with passion and did not waste a single moment, in the short time she had in this world.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ana, sister Mary Anne, and brother John.

She is survived by her daughter Kaila, father Ernest, and brothers Charles and David.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights on (October 8th, 2023 from 12-3pm).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Lake Katherine Nature Center or C4 Chicago, a mental health agency.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andrewmcgann.com for the Kovac family.