Joann Elizabeth Kostylo, 88, died peacefully at her home on November 1, 2023. Born and raised in Waukegan by her parents, Carl and Theresa Schwarz, Joann graduated from Waukegan High School in 1952, then attended Illinois State University and the University of Illinois. Following her 1957 marriage to Don Kostylo, she embraced motherhood. She was the biggest fan of each of her children, and continually volunteered to be the “room mother” for each of her kid’s classrooms at H. R. McCall School. Eventually, Joann became employed by Waukegan Public Schools, and worked many rewarding years as the secretary of that same elementary school. She was kind to every student, going out of her way to help anyone who entered her office, and then all who entered her home. The house was always full. The more, the merrier!
Following retirement in 1996, she and Don enjoyed several summers working on the Scenic Railway at Six Flags Great America. They loved to travel, too, first with wonderful family road trips, and years later to visit their grown children. They traveled abroad to Italy, and then in 2007, the entire Kostylo family celebrated Don and Joann’s 50th Anniversary in Hawaii.
Joann was preceded in death by Don, her husband of 61 years, and also by her grandson, Vince Strack. Joann struggled with Parkinson’s Disease during her final years, although she continued to enjoy visits from family and friends. Joann is survived by her son, Scott (Maria) Kostylo, daughter, Cyndi Kostylo, daughter, Kristine (Mark) Strack, and son, Mike (Desiree) Kostylo. Included in Joann’s family are ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Jo Kostylo, Adam Kostylo, Michael Stadlberger and daughter, Jayden, Nick (Katie) Stadlberger and son, Callum, Sam Stadlberger, Tony Strack, Liz Strack, Nick Strack, Evan Kostylo and Aidan Delgado. Joann is also survived by her brother, Larry Schwarz, his wife, Kathy, and daughter, Stacey.
The Kostylo family wishes to thank Catholic Charities and Journey Care, for their caring and generous support.
St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset Avenue, in Waukegan, will host a 12:00 mass on November 18, which would have been Joann’s 89th birthday. A reception in the church hall will follow, from 1:00 to 3:00.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6