Joan Russo, née Pass, graced this earth for 94 years and peacefully passed away on Sunday morning, July 19, 2026.
Joan began her career at National Can Company, where she worked for 15 years and met the love of her life, her husband, Louis H. Russo. They were married for 48 years until his death in 2013. Joan and Louis were longtime residents of Chicago’s Clearing community, where they built their home and raised their children. They were proud and faithful members of St. Rene Goupil Parish.
For 22 years, Joan served as the dedicated secretary for the church parish. With her in-depth knowledge and attention to detail, she ensured the smooth operation of all St. Rene’s school and church activities.
Joan was a woman of strong faith who instilled in her children the importance of family, hard work, kindness, and always doing what is right. Loved by all, she was a model of honesty and integrity and will be remembered for her kindness, loving smile, and concern for others.
She was the loving mother of Judy (Neil) Rasmussen, Gina (Donald) Leato, Jolie (Ronald) Hause, and Louis J. (Angela) Russo. She was the cherished grandmother of Donald Rasmussen, Jeffrey (Ashley) Rasmussen, Gail Patsch, Anthony Patsch, Jacob Hause, Stephanie Hause, Allyssa (Sam) Bulthuis, and Anthony Russo. She was the great-grandmother of Emilia Rose and Clara Gail Rasmussen, who lovingly called her GG. She is remembered as a loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Irene (née Gibbs) Pass, and her sister and brother-in-law, Judith Ann and Joe Kostein.
Visitation: Friday, July 31, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m. at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem), Chicago, Illinois.
Funeral: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 8:30 a.m. Visitation at the funeral home until 9:30 a.m., when prayers begin. Procession to Two Holy Martyrs Parish–St. Rene Goupil Church for 10 a.m. Mass.
Interment: Queen of Heaven Cemetery, next to her beloved husband.