Obituary of Giovanna Bartolo

Age 84, of Joliet, IL, passed peacefully Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

She was born March 8, 1934 in Calascio, Italy to the late Maria (Antonacci) and Giaccino Vespa.  Giovanna was a longtime Joliet resident.

Giovanna is the beloved mother of Silvio (Kate) Bartolo and Carl (Lesli) Bartolo IL, both of Joliet; loving and devoted Nonna of Samantha and Rachel; Olivia, Alaina and Carl III. Dear sister of Olga (late Pepino) Aureli, Gustavo (Loretta) Vespa and sister-in-law Nella Vespa.  Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Bartolo, Sr. (2000); parents; brother, Guido Vespa; sister, Ines (late Carmen) Fanale; father and mother-in-law, Silvio and Ellia Bartolo; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Don) Kurth, Josephine (Carl) Niemeier and Loretta Bartolo.

Mrs. Bartolo was a member of UNICO and the American Italian Cultural Society.  She loved to cook and bake, always with love, and it was so apparent to her co-workers and friends at Milano Bakery where she will forever be remembered as "Mama B".  A very family oriented woman, any time with her grandkids made her remarkably warm smile even brighter.

The Bartolo family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice for the exceptional care given Giovanna.

Funeral services for Giovanna Bartolo will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, to the Church of St. Anthony where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to be used in accordance with the wishes of her family.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until services begin at the funeral home.  For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com