Josephine Anna Orlovich

Josephine Anna Orlovich (nee Gioannini) age 90, fell asleep in the Lord on September 18, 2025 at Lightways Hospice.

Born and lived her entire life in Joliet and the Joliet area.

Josephine attended the Joliet Public Schools (K-8); graduated from Joliet Township High School (Class of 1953); Joliet Junior College (Class of 1955); received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the College of St. Francis and Lewis University, respectively. Josephine taught at St. Bernard’s Catholic School and Rockdale Public School and, afterwards, while raising her children, she lived her life as a wonderful wife, mother, homemaker, and friend to many.

Josephine touched many lives through her love of writing letters, cards, and sending unique gifts through the mail. She also quietly published her memoirs, "A Decade of Love: Childhood Memories" which included reminiscences of her life growing up in an Italian family and her own poetry compositions.

Her simple, humble life included reading, cooking, embroidery, and praying for her family members and many friends. She was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and during her life was involved in many Church organizations.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband Joseph ("BoBo") Orlovich, Jr. (2024), her parents: Joseph and Lena (Pasteris) Gioannini; sister Marion, and brother-in-law Paul Bertucci.

Survived by her children: daughter Marlo (Bartley) Perry; son Joel Orlovich; daughter Paula (Jon) Waller; and her grandson Brice Waller (Kimberly Gebhardt).

Private Funeral Services were held at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church on Monday, September 22nd, 2025 with the Very Reverend Aleksandar Bugarin and Reverend Nikolaj Kostur officiating. Her Earthly remains were interred at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet.

Special thanks to her "Angels of Mercy" on the 7th Floor at St. Joseph Hospital and the compassionate staff members at Lightways Hospice.

Donations in Josephine's memory may be made to: St. George Serbian Orthodox Church; The Reverend Nedjelko Lunich Scholarship Fund at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church; or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone Circle Joliet, IL 60431.