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Joan O'Malley Obituary
Born: September 30, 1936
Died: March 21, 2017
Joan Therese (Ruppe) O'Malley, aged 80 passed away peacefully at home in Lombard, IL, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and friends, on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. After a short but fierce illness, Joan is finally free, living strong and whole again in Heaven.
She was born September 30, 1936 in Grand Rapids Michigan, the daughter of Robert John and Eilleen Ruth (Bauser) Ruppe. Joan attended St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago and Mount Saint Clare College in Iowa. Joan then caught the eye of Bill O'Malley and he fell head over heels in love with her. They were married January 24, 1959 at St. Ignatius Church in Chicago, IL. and celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Their first home was on Wayne Lane in Chicago, and they moved to Lombard in 1975 where they thrived as a couple and raised their 5 daughters. Joan and Bill loved to go out with friends and enjoyed playing Bridge. She prided herself on telling everyone they were "looking good" and danced a great Hula. Her uncanny ability to connect with people and remember your life story made Joan a favorite of many.
She is survived by her loving husband, William (Bill) O'Malley; daughters, Eileen O'Malley, Madeline Brazeau, Katie (Tomas Zilius), Joanie (Tony Levand) and Mariann (Ed Swiderski). Thirteen grandchildren, Steve (Crystal) Miller, Brian (Avegayle) Heath, Loretta Heath, Ashley Brazeau, Brittney (Steven) Petti, Celsey Brazeau, Sierra Brazeau, Darius Zilius, Eleanor Zilius, Beatrice Zilius, Zachary O'Malley, Edward Swiderski and William Swiderski; and three great-grandchildren; her brother, Bob Ruppe; and sisters, Dee O'Malley and Christine Ruppe.
She now joins her parents, Eilleen and Robert Ruppe; sisters, Kathleen Brezina and Ann Stepan who preceded her in death.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 8th 2017 at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church, 114 S Elizabeth St Lombard IL. Private cremation interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Sacred Heart School in Lombard.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan O'Malley
5 Entries
Alicia Parker
April 13, 2017
Joan was such a sweet neighbor and we will always remember her sitting on her porch and chatting with us all when we'd walk by! Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Love,
The Parkers
Carol Cenar
April 8, 2017
A very special person and an inspiration to all that knew her.
Joy and Aime Gloi
March 31, 2017
Rest In Peace. Condolences to the family.
Joanne Kelly
March 31, 2017
Our condolences to Bill. Eileen, Madeline, Katie, Joanie, Mariann and your families. Joan was one of a kind and we will miss her dearly. We loved her.
Joe and Joanne Kelly
Carl Falk
March 31, 2017
Rest In Peace, Joan. See you later.
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