Joanne C. Walczak

November 26, 1947 - April 26, 2010

Joanne Walczak nee Lupardini, age 62, of Schererville, IN, loving and devoted wife of 41 years to William, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2010. She was the sun in the sky to four children who adore her, Greg of Los Angeles, CA, Lisa of Houston, TX, Doug of Winfield, and Chris of Hobart. She also leaves behind her father Giulio Lupardini of Rocca di Papa, Italy and baby grandson, Colton Walczak. She was preceded in death by her mother, Milena Spadijer. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 5:00 PM at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre NOTE: NEW LOCATION-2 blocks east of Broadway at 606 E 113th Ave. Crown Point, IN, with Fr. Mick Kopil officiating. Giovanna Joanne Candida Lupardini was born in Rome, Italy on November 26, 1947. She married William Walczak of Whiting, IN on February 1, 1969 at St. John Cantius Church in East Chicago, IN. The soul mates met at Art?s Drive-In in Hammond, IN. Joanne was a passionate animal lover who taught everyone around her to be kind and nurturing. Joanne was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and was an active volunteer with Treasured Friends Cat Adoption Agency. She loved planting her flowers every spring and made the best Thanksgiving dinner in the world. Memorials in Joanne?s name may be given to the Salvation Army, an organization she always supported following the assistance they provided to her and her mother when they arrived in the U. S. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section on the obituary page at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For information call 219-663-2500.

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Mom I miss you so much you have no idea. I would give anything to have you here with me. Life has never been the same without you. You kept us together. I’m so sad my heart hurts. I love you so much. You’re the best mom anyone could ever have. I wish you could be here with our new family we are blessed with and the stages of life together. Love you mom

Dear Family of Joanne, I just heard of Joanne's passing today and want to send heartfelt, belated sympathy to you. I attended Washington High School with Joanne and she was one of my older sister, Rosalyn Shapiro Schnall's, close girfriends back then. I remember Joanne well--her laugh and her wonderful smile. She was such a nice person. I haven't kept in touch througout the years, but, I have her in my memories and heart. May she be in eternal peace and may you be comforted in your loss.

Hi mama, Today Cathy and I had your second grandchild, a beautiful baby girl. We named her Chloe Giovanna Walczak. She was a moose at 9lb 6oz and she was 21in long. We were two rooms down from where we had Colton. She was born at 11:22am. I know you saw the whole thing and are proud of the both of us for having such a princess. I know that you will be there watching over both of them, and all of us, for years to come. Just wanted to let you know that Colton likes McDonald's french fries and is walking like a big boy now. I can't believe how big he is getting. I miss you very much mom. I'm just glad you were able to spend time with your big guy, Colton. I know you loved him more than anything, and you would have Chloe as well. Love you MA-GRANDMA

Dear Bill and Family, We were so sorry to hear about Joanne. We hope that you will find comfort remembering the love that Joanne had for each of you. Those of us that believe in heaven know that Joanne is watching over you. May God bless you and help you during this difficult time. Lorraine and Family

Dear Bill & Family; May fond memories of the past get you through this time of sorrow. Love, Jim and Arlene

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Joanne. We were the original fosters for the kitties when Treasured Friends was created out of the animal control in Schererville many years ago. She actually glowed with love and kindness when I first met her and she was an inspiration to me and I am sure to many people involved in animal rescue. We, including the animals, were blessed to have been touched by her, an angel on earth and in heaven. God bless you.

To Joanne's Family: We don't know each other, but I was Joanne's best friend in our early years at St. John Cantius grade school. I was shocked and saddened to see that she had passed away. It seems like yesterday that we were little girls swimming at Washinton Park pool, we were there every girls day {they alternated days with boys and girls}. I remember sitting on the grass with her and talking about how great it would be to be teenagers.continued

Bill and family....I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know Joanne, but you have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your loved ones. Sincerely, Neila O'Brien, Acme Famiy

I personally give my deepest sympathy to the entire family. Joanne's mother, Millena, made it to the United States, going through a war in Europe she never believed she would get through. In the early 1950's, she came to East Chicago, Indiana Harbor, to 3614 Fir St. to my grandparents residence for help & assistance for a few years until she made it on her own. My grandparents were Mr. Mrs. John & Rose Crispi, from Messinna, Italy, and Calabria, Italy. We called Joanne's mother Millie. Joanne also came, she had a little kitten named Chichu. I remember Joanne, when she was merely 7 or 8 yrs. of age, she spoke several languages. She was extremely intelligent, and around 1962 she went to see the Beatles in England. She was bright, happy & exciting to be with. I am deeply saddened, but I know the loving mother she was, and that God will be with her always. To the Walczak family & friends, your sorrows are my sorrows. A life-long friend of Joanne, Mr. Jimmy J. Calinski

She always envied the fact that I had little sisters and I was always willing to give her a couple of them. I lost touch with her until I came to Washington H.S. in my senior year and then we shared a locker. The last time I saw Joanne was at Ridge Garden Center in Munster. I had my 3 kids with me and she had her 2 oldest--a little boy and girl. We said we would get together, but never did. I have so many memories of Joanne. We always used to get in big trouble for never coming home when we were supposed to. When she went to Italy for a year {I think it was in 4th grade} I missed her terribly. I'm so glad that she had a happy marriage and 4 children--she loved little kids. And I'm glad that she got to see her grand child. I am so very sorry for your great loss. With my deepest sympathy, Marsha Lukaszewski Rusbasan

To the Family of Joanne Walczak: I am deeply saddened and very sorry for your loss. Although most of you viewing this may not know me, I am lucky enough to call Joanne's daughter, Lisa, one of my very best friends and consider her a sister. As such, I feel as if I've lost a member of my own family and my heart goes out to each and every one of you. It's difficult to know what to say at times like these, but I know that Joanne's light and spirit lives on in each one of you. Enjoy her memory and cherish her life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

Bill my deepest sympathy to you and your family.Please try and find some comfort in knowing she is in Gods hands.

Dear Walczak Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Through my friendship with Lisa, I have gotten to know what a close-knit, loving family the Walczaks are. Lisa, when I think of your love and adoration for your mother, one story comes to mind. You found a stray kitty and it was so sick, we didn't know what to do with it, so we called your mom. When we couldn't find exactly the right items, I thought we could substitute something else, but you wouldn't do it. You told me 'my mom knows, she wouldn't tell me the wrong thing'. She was such an awesome mom to inspire that kind of unwaivering faith in her spoken word. I wish you and yours peace in this time of sorrow. Most lovingly, Patti Ruffo

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.