Obituary of JoAnn Polcyn
Bernadine JoAnn Polcyn (nee Bernardon), of Elwood, IL. departed this world peacefully embraced in the loving arms of her family on Friday, January 7th.
Survived by her loving family, Patrick (Doreen) Polcyn, John “Jack” Polcyn, Susan (Scott) Stevens, and Mary Lou Polcyn. Grandchildren Michael (Courtney) Polcyn, Jonathan (Heather) Polcyn, Patrick (Lindy) Polcyn, Matthew Stevens, Kathryn Stevens, and Thomas Stevens. Great-grandchildren Gavin, Hunter, Giavanna, Patrick, Tessa, Addison, and Luke Polcyn. Also surviving are JoAnn’s loving brother, Louis (Patsy) Faoro of VA., Nephew, Daniel (Ingrid) Faoro, Jacob, Isabella, and Joey. Sister-in-law, Joan Polcyn.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry L. Polcyn, Mother, Mary Faoro, Father, John Bernardon, Stepfather, Angelo Louis Faoro, Sister, Rose Mary Bulger, Brother, Angelo Bernardon, and cherished niece, Cathleen Mary Faoro.
The family would like to thank “Mrs. JoAnn’s” angel on earth and caregiver, Rita Pauss, for her loving care and the endless joy she brought to Mom over the past four years.
The constant melody in JoAnn’s life was love - she loved as passionately as she lived. She brought joy to everyone she met with her quick wit, unconditional love, and spectacular smile.
JoAnn treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nona, not only to her own but to many - she was Nona!
JoAnn lived every day of her life in the wonder of God’s magnificent gifts - admiring a gorgeous summer sky or a blazing red Maple in Autumn, watching the birds at her feeders, enjoying a cruise in the We Be Hookin’ on the Kankakee River, or listening to her favorite singer, Luciano Pavarotti. JoAnn was full of love, full of life, and had the ability to charm her way into everyone’s heart.
Aside from her family, JoAnn’s passion was music – she was a former member of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Choir, season subscriber of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and loved Broadway musicals. She loved an adventure – as she traveled the many corners of the world with her daughter, Mary Lou.
JoAnn was an incredibly strong woman who faced life’s obstacles with courage and grace – a true inspiration to her family and friends.
JoAnn was born on June 11, 1930, the daughter of John Bernardon and Mary Faoro. She was raised in Joliet, attended Washington School, and was a graduate of Providence Catholic High School. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, Sacred Heart Church, and the Cathedral of St. Raymond. On April 25, 1953, JoAnn married the love of her life, Harry L. Polcyn. JoAnn’s greatest passion was being a devoted wife to Harry and a mother to her four children. She worked for Illinois Bell and the United Cerebral Palsy Center of Will County. After the loss of her husband in 1991, JoAnn stepped into the role of President/Owner of Rendel’s, Inc. Her selfless dedication to the family business enabled Rendel’s to expand and continue the legacy built by her husband, Harry.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions in JoAnn’s memory to the United Cerebral Palsy Center of Will County, 311 S. Reed Street, Joliet, IL 60436, https://ucp-cds.org/donate/,
Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL, 60451 or your favorite charity of choice.
To safeguard our friends and family, there will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial in Celebration of JoAnn will take place on Friday, January 14th at 11:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet, IL followed by enshrinement at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. If you plan to attend the Mass, we kindly ask that you social distance and face masks are required. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.