OSF Sister Janet Tucci

Obituary of Sister Janet Tucci, OSF

Sister Janet (Allan) Tucci, OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, passed into eternal life peacefully at Lightways Hospice Care, Joliet, Illinois, on December 30, 2025. She will be remembered for her compassionate listening and love for the poor. The joy, wisdom and motivation that Sister Janet shared so graciously will be missed by all.

Sister Janet was born, raised and educated in Joliet. She came to the Joliet Franciscans in 1952 from St. Anthony Parish, Joliet, Illinois. After attending Forest Park and A.O. Marshall elementary schools, Sister Janet graduated (1952) from Joliet Catholic Academy. She earned her BA (1962) in sociology and education from the University of St. Francis. From there Sister Janet attended De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois, where she received her MA (1976) in education.

As part of her continuing studies, while she was teaching at Sacred Heart (Englewood) Chicago, Illinois, she received a grant for teachers of disadvantaged youth (1965) from Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Sister Janet began her professional ministry teaching in elementary school. She was missioned to teach in Shelby, Mansfield and Columbus, Ohio. Returning to the Chicagoland area, Sister Janet taught middle grades (1962-1966) at Sacred Heart. Here began her passion for working among the poor and underprivileged. Sister Janet spent a decade of her life (1962-1972) serving at St. Mary's, Fairfield, Alabama, where she combined the role of principal and junior-high teacher. A two-year interim, divided between serving Sacred Heart Parish and St. Clement Parish, Chicago, Illinois, led her to her most rewarding and meaningful experience at Sacred Heart Mission in Hopkins Park, Illinois (1978-1983) where she worked among the poorest of the poor in Pembroke Township. " Ours is a ministry of prayer, presence, and service" she wrote, as she accompanied those who needed food, medical care, and education. After a sabbatical year, Sister ministered in the Will County Center for Correctional Concerns, Joliet, Illinois, teaching the residents basic learning skills and preparing them for GED tests.

Desiring a new direction (1992-1995) Sister Janet changed her ministry and worked as a receptionist at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home along with serving as the bookkeeper and local treasurer (1992-2009) for the sisters. She always enjoyed socializing, watching sports, solving puzzles, and especially the daily friendly exchange with residents. She was a support to the sisters and residents at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home for many years and in many venues, collecting awards for over 20,000 volunteer hours. When she transitioned to Villa Franciscan/Avantara, Sister Janet continued to do what she loved, reaching out to those around her. There were no strangers for Sister Janet, just new friends.

Sister Janet was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Justine (Hirsch) Tucci, her brothers: Kenneth (Gloria) Tucci; Samuel (Shirley) Tucci; Richard (Jeanette) Tucci; and her sister, Norma Tucci. She is survived by her brother, Russell Tucci. She took great pride in her 15 nieces and nephews and 29 grandnieces and nephews who will miss her loving presence.

Visitation for Sister Janet Tucci will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory Street, Thursday, January 8, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. A Sharing of Memories will take place after the Mass in the Church. Interment will follow privately at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, Illinois.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Janet Tucci or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435.