A. Kostka

A. JOAN KOSTKA, 83 ROCKFORDA. Joan Kostka, 83, of Rockford died peacefully at 5:03 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born April 7, 1928, in Barrington, daughter of Robert and Esther (Russell) Mickey.The family moved to a farm outside of Belvidere. Joan attended Belvidere High School and was a cheerleader; she graduated in 1946. She taught one year at Choon school before entering Northern Illinois University, where she met her future husband. Graduated in home economics. Married John F. Kostka on Dec. 30, 1950, in Rockford. Joan and John celebrated their 60th anniversary last year with family and friends. Joan taught at Barbour school for several years. Joan raised a family and later resumed teaching. Joan was a primary teacher for five years, then taught home economics for 23 years in Rockford public schools district 205. Retired in 1988, after 28 years. Member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, Retired Teachers, Chasi and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She had a wonderful personality and was always smiling starting from the time she arose in the morning. A talented person, she designed clothes and was an expert seamstress. Always helped whoever needed help in serving. She later took up painting as a hobby; she became quite proficient in watercolors.Survivors include husband, John; son, John R. (Patty daughters, Mary Kay (Charles) Thorne and Maureen (Tim) Kelley; grandchildren, Brian Kostka, Austin Kelley and Kiara Kelley. Predeceased by parents; sisters, Jackie Mickey, Patricia Ross and Sydney Bounds.Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Thursday at church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford IL 61103; Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St., Rockford IL 61102; or organization of donors choice.