Joanna Kay Bucci, 84 of Chatham, IL, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Springfield Suites, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 27, 1941 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of J. Raymond and Lillian Norma (Picco) Patton. She married the love of her life, Donald A. Bucci on June 23, 1962 and he survives.
She is also survived by her four children: Marc A. (Kelly) Bucci of Dawson, Christopher D. Bucci of Springfield, James M. (Nicole) Bucci of Longmont, CO, and Donna K. Bucci of Chatham; four grandchildren, Anthony R. (Kristelle) Bucci, Megan M. (Brian) Courtwright, Vicenza A. Bucci, and Ethan P. Cole; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Riley and Ella Courtwright; brother, J. Michael (Pamela) Patton of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and went on to graduate from Springfield Junior College with an associate’s in education. She began a part of her career teaching at Sacred Heart and St. Patrick’s Grade Schools, then taught at District 186 for several years. Joanna pivoted from education to work for the State of IL in the Department of Revenue and the Historic Preservation Agency for 20 years before retirement.
Joanna was a devout Catholic and was a longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Chatham since 1972. She helped teach the PSR program there for many years. She also enjoyed volunteering at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site for many seasons. Her generosity and beautiful smile will be sorely missed.
Visitation: 10:00 – 11:30 am, Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Chatham.
Funeral Mass: 11:30 am, Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Chatham with Very Rev. Joseph Molloy, V.F. officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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