Emerzia Shroba

Emerzia Shroba, 96, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022 in Joliet,IL.

Beloved wife and mother, dearest grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her strength, grace and devotion to family will be forever cherished.

Emerzia was a devout Catholic who loved supporting her church, first as a longtime member of St. Cyril and Methodius Altar and Rosary Society, and then as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed margaritas and concerts by the Joliet American Legion Band. She outlived most of her old friends but made many new ones. Most of all, she loved spending time with her ever-growing family.

Emerzia was born in New Orleans, La. She grew up in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., where she met her husband, Joseph Shroba, who was stationed there during World War II. They married in 1946 and returned to his hometown of Joliet.

She began a career in 1959 as a stenographer at Joliet Correctional Center on Collins Street and retired in 1981, taking time away from work to raise five children. She used her own savings to purchase land where the family eventually settled in 1975. After retirement, she traveled to many parts of the country and became an expert quilter. She was a proud Chicago Cubs and New Orleans Saints fan, a 45-year cancer survivor and a Covid survivor.

Preceded in death by her daughter Donna, granddaughter Gina Barello, and husband of 54 years, Joseph J. Shroba; her parents William and Myrtle Domm, and grandparents George and Ida Hauck, who raised her.

Survived by daughter Susan Barello, son Joseph F. Shroba (Rhonda), daughters Jamie Shroba (David Andrews) and Traci Montgomery (Jason); grandchildren Julie Giacomi (Matt), Nicholas Barello, T.J. Jevitz (Ann), Lexi McClintock, Kelsie Runge (Connor), Ryan Jevitz, Tanner McClintock and Mckensie Jevitz; great-grandson Luca Giacomi; and great-great-grandchildren Alayna, Colton and Jase Jevitz, and Noelle Runge. Also survived by her sister, Cerelea, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. April 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL .followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. and procession to St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and daughter.