Joan Marie Cannella

Joan Marie Cannella passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on November 24, 1935, in Chicago to Josephine (DeRose) and Paul Loverde. Joan attended Tuley High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1954. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Josephine Loverde; her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Frank Cannella; and her sister, Rosemarie Errera. She is survived by her children: Frank Cannella Jr. (Susan), Pamela Cannella Treacy (Jim Jameson), Joseph Cannella (Lisa), and Paul Cannella; her grandchildren, Tricia Horab (Jeremy), Luke Treacy (Kaycee), Katherine Treacy, Ivy Rusch (Will), Liliana Cannella, and Jack Cannella; her great-grandchildren, Daven Williamson (Kaylee), Kylee Treacy, and Leah Joan Treacy; and her great-great-grandchildren, Westyn Williamson and Alina Williamson. She is also survived by her sister, Jacqueline Loverde, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She met her future husband, Frank, while working as a secretary at Motorola. They were married in 1955, beginning a lifelong partnership that set a benchmark for devotion, stability, and love. Together, through hard work and sacrifice, they ensured their four children could attend college and graduate without the burden of debt—a gift that shaped generations. After the birth of her first child, Joan devoted herself fully to raising her family. Later, she returned to work part-time in the grocery industry, where her strong work ethic and natural leadership quickly led her to become a deli manager at Dominick’s. She ultimately retired from her role as office manager at Case Construction Equipment, where the general manager famously remarked that Joan truly “ran the business.” Joan ignited her family’s love of travel. From organizing road trips when her children were young to continuing adventures well into her later years, she believed in seeing the world together. Before Joan and Frank had children, they often travelled with other family members including Frank’s brother Dominick and his family to Miami, Wisconsin and Springfield. Family trips with Frank and the children included destinations of Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin Dells, the Ozarks and California. She also traveled to Italy with her husband, sister Rosemarie and brother-in-law Jim. She cherished time at the family lake house in Wisconsin, their home in Florida, fall drives to Minnesota with Paul to visit Joe and his family, and annual winter and spring drives to Florida with a stop at Pamela’s home. Joan’s home was often the heart of extended family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Her kitchen was legendary—filled with Italian dishes, including her famous manicotti, calzone, red gravy with meatballs, homemade sausage and braciole, frazines, pizzelles, and lamb shaped poundcakes for Easter, all made with love. Joan loved celebrating life’s moments and rarely missed a chance to come together with family and friends. She delighted in Cousins’s Club gatherings, weddings, showers, and birthdays. For her Joe’s 50th birthday party, Joan embarked on a road trip with her sister Jackie, niece Bianca, and her kids —where she gleefully hid in the pantry and jumped out to surprise him. A lifelong volunteer, Joan supported Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts as a troop leader and later as a regionwide volunteer. She also enjoyed her volunteer landscape gardening while living at Cambridge on the Lake. Joan spent her later years at Brookdale Independent Living and volunteered at Kenny’s Closet to raise funds for Alzheimer’s disease. She especially enjoyed playing Rummikub and Hand and Foot with her Brookdale friends and was always encouraging fellow residents to keep up with their weekly blood pressure checks. The years never slowed Joan’s willingness to travel to see family. At age 87 Joan took her final road trip with grandchildren Liliana and Jack, driving from Illinois to Georgia to visit Paul’s cabin and spend time with all the grandchildren. Hopping on a plane at 89, she traveled to Frank’s home to enjoy the ocean view from the deck, accompanied by Brian and Sandie Cannella. In November, Joan joyfully celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by immediate family—and, of course, plenty of Italian food. The family was truly blessed to have her for 90 incredible years. Her legacy is one of family, hard work, generosity, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Live like Joan lived. Be kind, take the trip, eat the cake, and cherish each day as a gift—because each day is a gift, including this one. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 21, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carbonara Funeral Home, 1515 N. 25th Ave., Melrose Park, Illinois. A chapel service will be held Thursday, January 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Carbonara Funeral Home, followed by a procession to Saint Joseph Cemetery for entombment. Please visit Joan’s tribute at CarbonaraFuneralHome.net.

Joan Marie Cannella

November 24, 1935 - January 14, 2026