Jean N. Giordano - 92
Lansing, IL
Jean N. Giordano (nee Kish), age 92, of Lansing, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2021.
Jean was born on April 11, 1928 to John and Anna (nee Bonetto) Kish in the small coal mining town of Panama. Her family moved to the Chicago area, where Jean grew up in Roseland and graduated from Christian Fenger High School in 1946.
When Jean was a teenager, her family’s finances were tight. So, to provide much needed help, Jean worked at Walgreens starting at the young age of 15. For the next several years, she would balance school, work and helping care for her younger siblings.
While working at Walgreens, Jean met her future husband, Frank. She remembered fondly through the years how handsome he was when she first saw him. They fell in love and married in 1947. They were married for 58 years and had two children – Celene and Frank. They would also become mom and dad to their granddaughter Gina, whom they raised. Jean was also a loving grandmother to her grandson Francesco.
Jean had a successful and rewarding career at International Harvester where she started working right after graduating high school. She worked there for many years and also served on the IH Credit Union and as a UAW Union Officer. One of her most enjoyable experiences was being on television for a United Way sponsored charity event at La Rabida hospital. Balancing her time between working full time and taking care of her family and home was not easy, but Jean somehow pulled it off. Waking up at 5 a.m. every day was likely helpful in getting everything done!
Jean is survived by her children Celene (Joe) Martin, Frank Giordano and Gina (David) Wrobel; her grandson Francesco Giordano; and her sister Barbara Brissey. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Frank, brothers John and Fred Kish and her parents. She is loved and will be missed by many family members and friends and leaves behind cherished memories.
Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (U.S. Rt 30, 3 blks E. of Western Ave.), Chicago Heights on Saturday, February 20th from 12:00 Noon until time of funeral service at 4:00 PM. Private burial Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. For further information contact 708-481-9230 or panozzobros.com
Patricia Witz
on 02/19/21
You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. You are finally with your family again and especially Frank. May God find a perfect spot for you. So full of joy and laughter.
We will think of you often. Until we meet again goodbye with love.
Jean Ann Fitzpatrick
on 02/19/21
Jeannie, You will be missed by many. Am very sorry that I won't be able to make it to your visitation, but with weather as it is, I'm not keen on traveling north by myself. Am planning on having some Masses said here at my Church, so that I can be there. Am hoping can have one close to your Birthday in April. Will call on Monday to do that. You did a fine job as a Matriarch of the Bonetto Grandchildren (Cousins)!!! Now, you are with Frank, your Mom and Dad, Fred, Junior and all other family members who have passed. Wishing you Peace, Prayers, and Hugs!!!! I will always remember you for your kindness and hospitality!!!! Jean Ann
Pam Kish
on 02/20/21
Aunt Jean I will always remember your laugh and capacity to have fun. I have so many memories of thanksgiving dinners at your house and endless dining out at your favorite Italian restaurants. I will miss you but God has granted you peace in your life. May you reunite with Uncle Frank and your brothers and parents. Your laugh will fill the room with joy.
Rest In Peace.