Joyce Ann Catalano

Joyce Catalano passed away peacefully at her home in Schaumburg, Illinois, on August 8, 2026 surrounded by her family and those who loved her dearly.

She was born on July 20, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to Phillip and Annette (née Fasano) Falson. Joyce was raised in Oak Park and River Forest. She was a graduate of Saint Giles Catholic School and Trinity High School. She continued her education at DePaul University in Chicago, where she sang in the choir and was a sorority member. Joyce grew up in a loving family where she was one of six children. As the second-born child and first daughter, she held a special place in her family’s heart. Joyce leaves behind her dear siblings, Phillip “Phil” (Mary Ann) Falson, Deanna “Dee” (the late Serafin) Molinaro, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Terry) Dooley, James Falson, John (Donna) Falson, who will forever carry in their hearts the countless special moments and the bond they shared throughout their lives.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph Catalano. Their story began at Dominick’s Finer Foods in River Forest, where Joe was working behind the meat counter. He asked Joyce out on a date, and from that first meeting, a beautiful life together began. They were married on May 7, 1955, and went on to build a vibrant family, raising five children: Mary Anne Ghilarducci; JoEllen (Steve) Leturno; Mary Therese “Terri” (Jim) Crocilla; Joseph Jr. “Joey” (Marion) Catalano; and James “Jimmy” (Michelle) Catalano. Joyce is survived by her five children and their families.

Family was at the heart of Joyce’s life, and she was incredibly proud to become a grandmother to Lauren (Patrick), Katie, Tommy, Jimmy, Joey, Vince, Nick, Nina, Leo, Madison, and Evan, who she will be joining in rest. She was especially delighted to become a great-grandmother and was affectionately known as “GiGi” to her great-grandchildren: Declan, Conor, Tommy, and Clara McKeough; Joey Epstein; Juliana and James Crocilla; and Talia, Sofia, and Valentina Crocilla. The connection she shared with each of “her kids” will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Joyce embraced each one of her grandchildren and truly loved being part of their lives. Over the years, she enjoyed attending sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, and other special moments, no matter how big or small. She genuinely wanted to know what was happening in their lives and loved listening to their stories. She had a wonderful way of making each of them feel special and loved. She especially enjoyed playing games with the kids, and she was always ready for a card game—where her competitive spirit could shine through!

As her great-grandchildren came along, Joyce celebrated each of them with that same unconditional love. She formed meaningful connections with each one. She attended football games, kept up with the little ones, pushed them on the swings—they truly kept her active! She found immense happiness in watching them grow and adored the precious moments they shared together.

Joyce also had many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She never forgot a birthday and lovingly sent cards through the mail for birthdays and holidays throughout the year. Those cards were a simple but heartfelt way she reminded everyone that they were always in her thoughts.

Joyce was a talented woman with many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and painting beautiful ceramic pieces, always creating something with her hands. She had an insatiable love of reading and was constantly discovering wonderful books to share with family and friends. Joyce also loved a trip to the casino—and if luck was on her side, even better!

She was an exceptional cook and baker, and many of her treasured recipes have been passed down through the family. But those recipes are about so much more than the food itself. They carry the memories of generations gathered together in the boisterous and bustling kitchen—cooking, baking, laughing, talking, but most importantly, it was time spent with Joyce. Some unforgettable traditions included making homemade manicotti “manigot” every Friday after Thanksgiving in preparation for the Christmas Eve meal. Over time, family and friends of all ages would gather to take part, and this became a most cherished part of the holiday season. At Easter, homemade calzone took center stage. And, of course, Joyce’s delicious cookies and desserts were always eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by all. Those moments, and the love she poured into them, will continue to be fondly remembered for years to come.

Joyce truly loved life and embraced each day with gratitude and enthusiasm. For many years, she enjoyed her daily walks with her dear friend Judy, a special routine she looked forward to until she was no longer able to continue. Joyce was an inspiration to those around her—a loyal friend, a wonderful listener, and someone who always made others feel cared for.

Perhaps no place held a more special place in Joyce’s heart than her cottage in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. It was a place where she and her Joe created countless beautiful memories and where life seemed to slow down in all the best ways. Joyce loved the simple pleasures of lake life: a boat ride, a glass of wine on the porch, evenings around the bonfire, tending to her flower gardens, and listening to the joyful commotion and laughter of children echoing across the lake. The beauty and peacefulness of the Northwoods never grew old for her. It was a place filled with family, togetherness, and a lifetime of moments she held close to her heart.

Just one month after she had her final glimpse of the lake she loved so deeply, Joyce peacefully closed her beautiful blue eyes for the last time. As a golden basket carried her home to Heaven, we said goodbye to a remarkable woman who gave us a lifetime of smiles, amazing times together, and lessons in how to live life fully. Joyce was our mother, mother-in-law, grandma, GiGi, sister, aunt, friend, and our angel. We were blessed beyond words to have her in our lives for all these wonderful years. Her extraordinary presence will remain with us—in every family gathering, every special recipe, every card game, every story, and every beautiful memory we carry in our hearts.

A private service will be held for family