Joann Marie Markese

JoAnn Marie Markese, 73 years of age, passed on August 1st, 2022 at Anam Glen in Rockford, IL. She was at peace surrounded by her family and wonderful care team.

JoAnn was born in Rockford, Illinois to the late Salvatore (Sal) and Sarah Taromino DiPasquale. She was the eldest of their three children with brothers, Louis and Thomas DiPasquale following. She attended West High School ('66) and worked at Sundstrand Corp. and Mass Mutual for several years prior to acquiring her husband’s family business, Forest City Counter Tops, on September 12th, 1970. It was the next year when she married the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Markese, on May 22nd, 1971 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

They became active members at St. Rita Catholic Church as they grew their family raising three children. JoAnn loved to dance and listen to music that fed her soul. She taught step aerobics for about 25 years and helped grow the family business. She devoted her life to her family and was the bond that held everyone together. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and the best friend anyone could ask for. She was a support system for all who were close to her. She was loving, caring, charismatic, faithful, encouraging and nurtured others before herself. Her smile would light up a room and her laughter was contagious. She was adored and cherished by all her family and friends.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck), children, Thomas and John (Christina) Markese, Renee (David) Nagel, three granddaughters, Ahnalyse, Maliyah and Zailyn Markese, grandson, Klay Nagel, brothers, Louis and Thomas (LeAnn) DiPasquale, nieces, Shawn (Bob) Quam-Schulz and Robin Quam-Heinen, Stephanie and Allison DiPasquale, Michelle (Garrett) DiPasquale-Schreiber, nephews, Joseph and Roman DiPasquale and extended family members from Baltimore, Maryland and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Her family would like to give a very special thank you to OSF Hospice nursing care team, Anam Care team, St. Bridget Parish and Monsignor Knox for your blessings and last rites. Thank you to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory for JoAnn's care and accommodations. You are all so special to their family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022 in St. Bridget Catholic Church with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church. Private family burial. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, was honored to assist the family. Memorials may be made to the family. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.