Joann Randazzo

JoAnn was born on March 4, 1942, to Fred and Gertrude (Tritz) Los. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, JoAnn attended Catholic grade and high school, graduating from St Casmir’s in 1960. She would often tell stories of her being a “punk” in high school and frequently getting into trouble. She used pen names to write for the school paper, because she knew no one would publish something if they knew she wrote it.

She met Anthony Randazzo while being trapped in a bar during the blizzard of January 1967.

They married six months later and moved to the suburbs, eventually calling Rolling Meadows home. Ten years later, their daughter and only child, Carrie Anne, was born.

JoAnn was a dedicated stay-at-home mom to Carrie. She was always volunteering; from many years as PTA president, library volunteer, and starting reading incentive programs for students.

Jo and Tony had many friends with whom they enjoyed bowling and playing cards with on the weekends. Their little family also spent many summers in Wisconsin at Hickory Hills Campground, where city-girl Jo became a master at most things outdoors, just not bugs.

She later moved in with her younger sister, Lorna, to help take care of their aging mother. She worked at PAMCANI in Downers Grove, IL, until she retired in 2010.

JoAnn then moved to Springfield to be closer to Carrie, her husband Dan, and their children, Aili, Frank, Gwendolyn, and MaryGrace.

Grandma was then on a mission to make memories with her grandchildren. She loved having them for sleepovers, taking them on birthday dates, coming to performances, and just being present in their lives.

Jo was always up for a late night chat by the fire with a beer or a morning cup of coffee on the porch. She danced to every Elvis song she heard, made every baby she met laugh, and put the biggest smile on everyone’s face. She lived simply and loved immensely.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; and her younger sister, Lorna Sobieski.

She is survived by her older brother, Fred Los (Helen); her daughter, Carrie Sluga; son-in-law,

Dan Sluga; and grandchildren, Aili, Frank, Gwendolyn, and MaryGrace.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.

Donations can be made to the APL in Springfield, IL, where she got her best buddy, Rocky.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.