Obituary of JoAnn Honiotes
JoAnn Honiotes, age 91, of Joliet, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
Born Thomasia Honiotes on February 18, 1932, in Joliet, she was the daughter of Nick and Nickoleta (Lutos) Honiotes, and was a graduate of Joliet Township High School. She continued her education at Joliet Junior College prior to enrolling in The Academy of Fine Arts and the Chicago Art Institute.
JoAnn was passionate about her career as a fashion designer, which began in Chicago for a dress manufacturer and led her, in 1967, to move to New York where she was a designer for the successful Mindy Malone clothing line. After seeing her designs in Women’s Wear Daily, a division of the Puritan Company asked her to join them as Vice President of their junior petite division. This opportunity allowed her to visit London, Paris and Rome once a year to study the European fashion trends. JoAnn was very proud to have had the opportunity to live and work in New York City for many years pursuing her vocation.
In 1973, following the death of her father, JoAnn returned to Illinois where she and a fellow designer friend formed “J & C Couture” in Chicago, with showrooms in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, as well as Chicago. In the early 1990s, with large challenges in fashion retail affecting the marketplace, JoAnn began a new facet of her career when an executive friend convinced her to enter the health care field designing uniforms for her employees.
A true humanitarian, Joanne was extremely generous with her time and talents. Her frequent visits to friends and strangers alike living in nursing homes brightened the lives of many. When other friends found themselves no longer able to drive, Joanne became their personal chauffeur, permitting many to remain active and included.
With her faith playing an important and guiding force in her life, she was an active and faithful member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, where she served many years on the Parish Council, and was a member of the Philoptochos Society and the Yiamas Committee, defining her humanitarian works by visiting those confined to home and helping when and where she could.
JoAnn’s parents, and her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Mary and George Kesich, preceded her in death. Those left to mourn her passing include her godchildren, Denise Tompary (Jay Thomas) Smuda, Kathryn Jaharis, and Andrew (Catherine) Bellos; and many dear friends including her special lunch companions and her large church family.
Funeral services for JoAnn Honiotes will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N. Broadway Street, Joliet, where visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
