Name: Visitation for Jo K. Rousseau
Start: 2024-07-19T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-07-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Renner Funeral Homes - Belleville

Jo K. Rousseau

November 18, 1941 - June 23, 2024

Belleville, Illinois - Jo Kathryn Rousseau, nee Schilling, 82, of Belleville, IL., died unexpectedly on June 23, 2024, after suffering a stroke at her home.

Born and raised in Belleville, she attended high school at Notre Dame Academy and then earned an English degree from Loretto Heights College (now Regis University) in Denver, CO. After college, she returned to her hometown, obtained her master's degree from St. Louis University, and taught English for 30 years, first at Cahokia Senior High School and then at Belleville East High School. Jo had a lasting impact on many students, with some keeping in touch with her throughout their lives.

After retiring from teaching, Jo was able to spend more time pursuing her hobbies, which included playing cards, tennis, and golf; tending to her amazing garden and yard; traveling; reading; and watching sports, particularly college basketball and football. She also enjoyed needlepointing and participating in book, supper, and study clubs. She loved dogs, and on most mornings, you could find her walking her dog, Lucy, and visiting with friends at the local dog park.

Her generous spirit and commitment to her community led to Jo's involvement in many organizations during her retirement, including PEO, Art on the Square, and MindsEye. She also tutored grade school children and regularly supported local charities.

Jo was a loving daughter, sibling, wife, and mother. She was ecstatic to become a grandmother and was an amazing "Nonnie" to her beloved grandchildren. Her life was centered around family and friends, and the deep, life-long connections she made are both priceless gifts to those she leaves behind and markers of a life well-lived.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Dr. Anthony and Josephine, nee Reis, Schilling, and her loving husband of 40 years, Ronald Rousseau.

She is survived, and will be missed dearly, by her children, Susan Rousseau, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Joseph (Cate) Rousseau, of St. Louis, MO.; her grandchildren, Blake Rousseau and Elsie Rousseau; her four siblings, Dr. Anthony (Sandra) Schilling, Carol (John) Gerard, Joan (Gary) Green, and Jane (Dr. Jay) Haines; as well as many loving relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, P.E.O. Chapter HR, or MindsEye. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com, or you can contact Jo's children directly – they would be thrilled to hear your stories about her.

Visitation: Family and friends may pay their respects from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A celebration of Jo's life will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at St. Clair Country Club, Belleville, IL., with a luncheon to follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Jun. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jo Rousseau

Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.

8 Entries

Derissa Davis

October 30, 2024

I am just getting the news of the passing of who I would consider a very good friend. I met Jo back in 2015 when I attended Lindenwood University, studying to become a teacher. During that time in school, I had a financial need and financial obligations to fulfill before I could receive my diploma and walk across the stage. Jo, and the other ladies from P.E.O were able to assist me with paying off my debt to Lindenwood University, where I then got my degree to become a teacher. As we continued to communicate over the years, she invited me into her home, told me stories about her children, grandchildren, the dog, and even her sisters and husband. We had many great dinners at the country club together, and she always invited me to be apart of things that she was involved in like Art on the Square. We often communicated through email and phone conversations just to touch basis and share a little laughter about life. You will truly be missed my dear friend. I am so sorry I never got to say my final goodbyes. I give my deepest sympathy to her family, children, and grandchildren. May you rest in peace, light, and love.

Renee Junker

October 28, 2024

My condolences to Jo´s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Jo on an interior project for her beautiful home. We enjoyed our time together and I remember her fondly. Lovely lady.

Shirley Brechnitz

October 1, 2024

She was a lovely lady and will be missed by many--Shirley Brechnitz

Ingrid Bahr

Planted Trees

Carol Diekemper Kniepkamp

July 7, 2024

Joey and I were classmates through Cathedral Grade School and Notre Dame Academy. She was always a kind, caring classmate to all and carried a dignity about her. May she rest in peace

The Markarian Family

Planted Trees

Cindy Becherer Evans

June 30, 2024

Dear Carol, Jane and Joan and families,
I was saddened and shocked to hear the news of Jo´s passing. I got to know Jo later than her younger sisters working at Art on the Square. Then I learned she often walked her dog past my mom, Anita Becherer´s house and would report to me what mom was up to in her garden.
She was a lovely lady gone too soon from us but I am releaved she didn´t have to suffer a lengthy problem. Know that you all are in my prayers for peace in your hearts and please keep all your memories of her close.

Jan Gedda

June 30, 2024

Shocked and saddened to hear of Jo's passing..still trading posts with her on FaceBook..strange isn't that?
But in retrospect Jo had no suffering and we are grateful for that..the family are the ones we pray for..that they will reach Peace in their memories of their Mother Grandmother and sister and the rest.
Whoever was responsible for the writing of her obit ..did a great job not only the details of her life but the explanation of her love for family and friends..interests etc. it certainly described Jo to a tee......(Jo, hope your teeing it up with friends who passed before you)

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results