I met Jo several years ago. We hit it off right away since we were both from the Midwest (Jo from Chicago & I’m from Madison, WI). I always enjoyed hearing her stories about her nursing career especially her time at U of I Hosp. 
Every week we would ride together to and from Bonanza Senior Center or Eastern Community Center for a game of Texas Hold Em. We lived about 10 min apart. We had a lot of conversations then! I would help her from time to time with shopping..household chores.  She would  bake/cook up something  tasty to share.  She was such a good sport..down to earth..non-judgmental..open minded..humorous gal. She will be missed by her many friends and acquaintances. So blessed to have known her!❤️

As a more experienced nurse, Joann was a great mentor for me when I started in the ER when it first opened at 1740 W. Taylor in 1980.  We regularly worked the PM shift together (when 8-hour shifts were the norm) and she was always very supportive and helpful.  She added so much to the spirit and camaraderie in that setting.  

Joanne and I became friends back around 1973 when she and my sister, Ella, were nursing students at South Suburban College.  I always enjoyed her sense of humor and love for playing games, games of all kinds.  Board games, card games, memory games, she was quite competitive.  Over the years I met the man who would be my husband, Joanne would participate in our wedding.  When it came time to throw my garter, Joanne was the lucky winner.   My husband, Alan, and Joanne were fast friends and notorious bridge players.  I remember wild bridge games starting around midnight when Ella and Joanne got home from work.  Not needing to be up early the next morning, my mother and Alan were always anxious to play.  Somehow, my Dad and I slept through all that craziness.  As the years progressed, my bond with Joanne strengthened, she was a true friend.  I’ve lost my parents, Alan, Ella, and now Joanne.  My love for them all will last forever.  When I think of Joanne, I’m sure she is in heaven and in my mind’s eye I see her sitting at the card table shuffling and dealing the bridge cards.  

Relaxing after work in our apartment on Lytle Street.

Our first trip to Vegas and attempt at a chorus line.  We decide to keep our jobs as nurses.

We got a tour of Rome in Italian from Joann’s relatives.

My condolences to all who mourn Joann.  I knew Joann in many capacities:  colleague, roommate, but most of all close friend.  Her laughter and generosity were her gifts to the world.  We had many hilarious adventures and misadventures which continued to provide hours of conversation.  As Joann was a gifted storyteller I’m sure most of you have heard many of them and I doubt that I could do them justice in the retelling.  Joann’s motto seemed to be: that which doesn’t kill you, makes you laugh even longer.
In addition, Joann was a great nurse.  To honor and perpetuate her legacy I have started a scholarship fund at our alma mater, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing.  Gifts of all sizes are welcome and tax deductible.  If you are willing and able to contribute, please follow these instructions:  Make your check out to “University of Illinois Foundation”,  and in the memo or accompanying letter, write “UIC College of Nursing, Joann Deagosteno Memorial Scholarship “.  Mail your check to: Attn: Steven George, Assistant Dean for Advancement, UIC College of Nursing, 845 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612
Thank you for considering this opportunity to continue the legacy of our beloved Joann.

Joann was not only a fellow ER Nurse, but also became one of my favorite bosses. She was also a wonderful friend who I would visit every time I was in Vegas. We had SO many laughs reminiscing about our ER stories! We both had season Blackhawks tickets for many years. During the Stanley Cup playoff games, we would text each other during the games. Our last text as it turned out was the evening before she died. Joann, Laura and I are both going  to miss you so much. ❤️❤️

I worked with Joann for many years at the U of I ER. I can honestly say that I have nothing but great memories of my years working with her. She was funny, honest, and fair. She had a dry sense of humor, and not everyone "got" her, but I did, and I appreciated it. I last saw Joann at one of the U of I ER reunions a few years ago, and she was still the same, despite not feeling well. Looking back on that reunion, I am sad to say that there are now several of our friends who won't be in attendance for the next reunions. They  might not be there physically, but I just know that they will be with us in spirit, especially Joann.  She will always be in our hearts, as will our other friends. Sending heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. Dear Joann, I know that you are now pain free, basking in the golden light of Heaven. Wishing you a beautiful journey.  Godspeed! Mickie

Joann hired me in the ER @ UIC Hospital. She was an incredible nurse, leader and most importantly friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. To Joann's family, may the wonderful memories you have of her sustain you during this very difficult time and may Joann's memory always be a blessing to all of us who knew and loved her.

OBITUARY

Joann Deagosteno

July 20, 1954 – February 8, 2020

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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