Joanne Bryja

We come together today to celebrate the life of Joanne Bryja, a beacon of joy and creativity who left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and artistic expression.
Born on October 14, 1994, in Chicago, Joanne was the cherished daughter of Elzbieta and Marek Bryja. She grew up alongside her brother, Stanislaw, within a close-knit family that included her maternal grandparents, Krystyna and Stanislaw Szeliga, her paternal grandparents, Weronika and Jan Habas, and was preceded in death by her grandfather Wladyslaw Bryja. Joanne's family, a tapestry of aunts, uncles, and cousins, provided a warm and supportive environment that allowed her talents and passions to flourish. She is also survived by her beloved companion and best friend, Hazel, the dog.
An alumna of DePaul University, Joanne pursued her studies in Public Relations and Advertising with a fervor that was matched only by her commitment to her Christian faith. Her education served as a springboard for her to communicate and connect with others, a skill she wielded with grace and professionalism.
Joanne's interests were as varied as they were rich. A lover of art in all its forms, she could often be found singing, dancing, or painting-each activity a testament to her vibrant spirit and boundless creativity. She held a deep appreciation for her Polish Highlander heritage, which was reflected in her art and her life, weaving the colorful threads of tradition into the modern tapestry of her identity.
Those who knew Joanne best would describe her as loving, funny, and creative. Her laughter was infectious, her sense of humor a source of endless delight to her friends and family. Joanne's creativity wasn't just a hobby; it was a way of seeing the world, a means by which she shared her inner light with those around her.
As we bid farewell to Joanne Bryja, we remember a life lived with passion and purpose. Her loving nature, her laughter, her creative soul have left an imprint on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. While her physical presence is no longer with us, the memories of her spirit and the joy she brought into the world will continue to inspire and comfort us for years to come. Joanne's legacy is a reminder to all of us to embrace life with the same love and enthusiasm that she did every day.
Visitation, Sunday, October 5, 2025, 3:00PM to 7:00PM at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral, Monday, October 6, 2025, 9:00AM Prayers and Procession to begin from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs, Illinois for 10:00AM Mass.
Interment, Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park, Illinois.