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Phyllis Roa Obituary
Phyllis Emily Roa (nee Gaffney) - Passed on April 19, 2019 surrounded by loving family at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home after a brief illness. Age 90.
Born on October 11, 1928, in Normal, Illinois, Phyllis had lived in Joliet since 1941. She married Jesse S. Roa on February 2, 1957, and they had four daughters: Elaine (Stephen) Slansky of San Antonio, Texas, Barbara (Thomas) Pauloski of Highland Park, Kathryn Roa of Plainfield, and Susan (Andrew) Majcher of Joliet. They also had five grandchildren: Patrick Slansky, Kathie and Mikey Pauloski, and Sarah and Emily Cryer. Her parents were the late Margaret and Francis Gaffney.
Phyllis graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1946 and later earned an associate degree in Library Science from Joliet Junior College. From 1946 until 1958 she was employed as a designer in the Creative Art Department of the P.F. Volland Greeting Card Company. She was a member of the Joliet Artists League and did freelance art, photography, and writing for various publications, including some stories for the Herald News that she illustrated with photos and drawings. She also was active with the "Y" Players of Joliet (later the Curbside Theatre) where she met her husband-to-be in 1953 when she was cast in the play Gramercy Ghost and he was the publicity photographer. She was also a creative seamstress who enjoyed designing and making clothes for herself, her daughters, and their Barbie dolls.
Later she managed the sewing machine department at JoAnn Fabrics in Jefferson Square Mall and was one of the original employees of B. Dalton Booksellers when it opened at Louis Joliet Mall. However, her favorite occupation was when she became a Grandma. She spent her best years making sure her grandchildren knew how much she loved them and preserving her family?s history in photographs that will be treasured always.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice for all the loving care they gave Phyllis during her final days.
Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Friday, April 26th at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Thursday from 3:00 ? 7:00 P.M.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Roa
Sponsored by Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home.
April 25, 2019
Susan & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that Mom is in a better place and will watch over all of you. We will keep you and all of your family in our prayers.
Cousin Judy & Dan Bura
Henry A. Roa
April 24, 2019
I only met Phyllis a few times; mostly at funerals. The last time was at my brother louis' funeral in 2005. Many relatives and friends say We have to get together sometime but hardly ever do it because of distances apart and commitments to individual families. In 1954 when my wife and I married we left Joliet for Chicago. I hope to meet some of my second and third cousins at the wake; most of them I do not know I had.
Jesse and I do keep in touch through the internet and e mails. Jesse and I did get together in November of 2017 when Juan Dies of Sones de Mexico Ensemble took me and Jesse to revisit some of the places that I lived in during the 1930s. Jesse had much to contribute. Juan Dies made a touching video of that visit for the Keepers of Culture award presentation to me and posthumously to my wife, Juanita. View the video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGc0CP67PUY
My email is [email protected]
Henry Roa
April 24, 2019
Henry Roa
April 24, 2019
Nathan Morales
April 23, 2019
We are deeply sorry for all your loss. We will continue to pray for the whole family.
A.J. Dralle Family
Gerri Kohlbrecher
April 23, 2019
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Phyllis in the late 80's at B. Dalton. She was such a sweet, classy lady. My condolences to your family.
April 23, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. Please know that God knows your pain and will comfort you during this difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17.
Chris Loomis-Campos
April 23, 2019
Many of my childhood memories include Mrs Roa. The world has lost a little of its color but with her memories in my heart it will shine
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Memorial Events
for Phyllis Roa
Apr
25
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home2320 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435
Apr
26
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