JoAnn T.
Kontowicz
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 AM
ST. VERONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH
Kontowicz, JoAnn T.
(nee Swirkowski) Reunited with her beloved husband Ervin and son Michael on Sunday, February 21, 2021 age 83 years. Born to the late Henry and Jeanette Swirkowski, on June 13th, 1937. JoAnn met Erv while members of St Veronica’s choir and were married in 1959. JoAnn was loving mom of Michael (Sandy), Chris (Gail), and Jenny (Bob) Ruditys and proud Busia of Ady, Ian and Kez. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
JoAnn and Erv remained active in St. Veronica’s parish where JoAnn continued to share her love for music and singing as a member of the choir and her creativity through decorating of the church. JoAnn was known for her beautiful flower gardens and floral arrangements, along with ceramic art. She shared her love of travel with Erv; some would say they “wore out the cruise line circuits” from Caribbean and Panama Canal all the way to Europe.
JoAnn’s creativity and flair for embellishment showed up many areas of her life, from her coordinating wardrobe, accessories and nail polish to her ability to paint pictures with her words. Basic colors such as pink, red and green would be referred to as magenta, crimson, chartreuse; flowers were called out by their floriculture names and her usage of double adjectives brought great visuals to mind, “crispy crunchy chips”. One of JoAnn’s favorite phrases was “Oh Sh#%” and was used so often, even her pet parakeet, Perky, learned how to use it.
JoAnn would do anything for her family and often placed others before herself. Family gatherings were often and ranged from just hanging around the pool to Sunday dinners, holiday parties and 4th of July picnics. It helped she was an excellent cook with signature dishes being Czarnina, Christmas Coffee cakes and the best pot roast. She also taught her grandkids fluffy pancakes are better if you fry them oil to get the edges crispy (crunchy)
Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 AM at ST. VERONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 353 E. Norwich Ave. (Please meet at church). Private interment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff of both Oak Creek Place and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care.
heritagefuneral.com
Kontowicz families,
So sorry to read about the passing of Joann.
Never an easy time in life. Baton is passed!
Peace.to the Kontowicz families!
warm thoughts & celebrate life!
JoAnn was a very special lady in our lives. I met JoAnn as a patient after the passing of my own mother in June 2000. JoAnn became a second mother to me and a “Busia” to our two children as JoAnn babysat for them from age 1 to age 12. She taught us a lot about life and how important the little things are and never take anything for granted. She helped my daughter become creative with drawings, art, ceramics, and nail polish. She was so supported with my son’s activities including sport, boy scouts and playing games. She has always been there for us and now have a void in our life. We loved her and will always safe great memories of her. We send you our condolences and hope you will cherish all your memories of her.
JoAnn and I have been friends since third grade at St Veronicas grade school which comes to about 75 yrs. sometimes it seem we were like sisters. We enjoyed many good times in our late teens and early 20,. A trip to see the braves play in Cinn. Joann got us a helicopter to take us from Kentucky airport to downtown Cinn. she insisted that I sit up front with pilot only 3 seats on plane.. We also did many trips to Chicago for plays and of course checking out men. Many trips were taken with her parents to Mercer Wi for fishing and my parents to Hayward Wi. for 2 weeks each summer. We did many bowling leagues for her work at tracks on and my company American Motors. After all this we settled down and decided to search for our soul mates. Jo Ann met Erv and I met Ken. And married . Now until we meet again save a spot for me with you and erv and Ken.