Katharina Joos

In Loving Memory of Katharina Joos
April 8, 1929 – December 31, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Katharina "Oma" Joos, who departed this life peacefully at the age of 95. She was the daughter of John and Katharina Schatz and sister to John, Michael, and Andy. Born in the picturesque mountainous region of Transylvania, Romania, in 1929, she was the embodiment of strength, love, and grace.
At the age of 22, she embarked on a brave and transformative journey with her husband, George, traveling across the ocean to build a life of opportunity in the United States. Their love and partnership were the foundation of a beautiful family that flourished under their care and guidance.
Oma was known for her tremendous work ethic and perseverance. She approached every challenge in life with strength and determination, setting an inspiring example for all who knew her. She instilled these values deeply in her family, teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the importance of dedication, hard work, and resilience-lessons they carry with them to this day.
Together, she and George raised four children-Kathy, George, Mary, and Richard-who adored her and cherished her unwavering love and wisdom. Her family grew to include five grandchildren-Heidi, Willy, Cyndi, Andy, and Timmy-and ten great-grandchildren-Kyle, Dylan, Tyler, Maddie, Kaylee, William, Bradley, Gavin, Olivia, and Baby George-who lovingly called her "Oma." Oma's love extended far and wide, enveloping everyone in her warmth and kindness.
Oma had a special talent for bringing people together. She loved to bake and crochet, and her creations were a testament to her love for her family. This past Christmas, at 95 years old, she hand-baked over 100 cookies and crocheted Poochie slippers for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-a beautiful gesture of her enduring love and care.
Her glowing smile, gentle touch, and kind heart made everyone feel at home. Whether she was sharing a story, offering words of encouragement, or simply listening, she had a unique ability to make others feel valued and understood. She was a source of endless love and support, a true matriarch who anchored her family with her strength, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of hard work.
Oma's legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she nurtured. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
A celebration of Oma's life will be held on Saturday, January 11th 2025 where family and friends will gather to honor her incredible life and the love she shared so freely. Please see service info below
Services:
A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Matz Mt Prospect Funeral Chapel 410 E Rand Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056 - a funeral service will follow immediately by Pastor Jenna Pulkowski at 11:00 AM. This will be followed by an entombment at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights 2501 E Euclid Ave Arlington Heights IL 60004.
Following the burial, we welcome friends and family to join us for a Celebration of Life Lunch that will take place at Edelweiss Restaurant 7650 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge IL 60706.
**Flowers can be sent in her honor to Matz Mt Prospect Funeral Chapel 410 E Rand Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
Rest in peace, sweet Oma. Your love, strength, and lessons will remain with us always.