Joanne Rodeo

Joanne Rodeo, 88, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026 at Bridgeway Senior Living in Bensenville, Illinois.

Born and raised in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood by Joseph and Angeline Gorz, Joanne attended St. Adalbert church and school alongside her two brothers. Protective and spirited, she earned the nickname “Gorilla Gorz” for looking out for them. After studying cosmetology at Richards Vocational, she worked as a clerical employee at Western Electric, often joking that she had attended the wrong vocational school. She met her soulmate, Harry Rodeo, at a party just before he left for military service. After two years of letters, Harry proposed, and they married. Joanne joined him in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they shared the adventure of a lifetime driving across the country back to Chicago. They settled in Harry’s boyhood home in the Clearing area, where they lived for 45 years. Together they raised two children and delighted in their five grandchildren.

At 68, Joanne became a widow and embraced her first bachelorette pad. She moved into Castle Tower, a retirement community for those 50 and older, where she ran the resident council gift shop, played bingo, gossiped with friends, and cherished time with her grandchildren. After a few falls and a broken hip, she relocated to Bridgeway Senior Living next door. She spent three happy years there playing bingo, doing art projects, requesting extra desserts, and talking—always talking. Even as dementia progressed, her good nature, lively conversation, and willingness to help others allowed her to make friends wherever she went.

Joanne was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 45 years, Harry J. Rodeo; her grandson James in 2018; her brother Raymond in 2025; and her beloved pets Jaxx and Peter. She is survived by her daughter, Germaine (Patrick); son, Eric (Judy); grandchildren Nicholas, Stephanie, Nathan, and Courtney; brother Joseph (Patricia); many nephews, nieces, and friends; and her turtle Roy.