Obituary for Joan Guiliano
Joan Ruth Guiliano of Peoria, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 5, 2018 at the age of 79.
Joan was born on July 16, 1938 in Staten Island, New York. She spent her childhood in Peoria, Illinois with parents Helen (Barwick) and Elmer Heggemeier along with her older sister Barbara and younger brother Larry. After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1956, Joan enrolled in secretarial courses at Bradley University and was employed as an office secretary at Caterpillar. Joan's adventurous spirit took her to San Francisco in 1960 where she was employed at a prestigious advertising agency. Because of her outstanding work ethic and job skills, Joan worked for the agency at their office location in Germany. After her incredible European experiences, Joan returned to her roots in Peoria where she met and fell in love with Alfred "Bud" Guiliano during their employment at the Red Cross. They were married in 1965 and joyfully welcomed their son, Geoffrey Scott Guiliano in April 1966. Joan thrived in her roles as wife, mother, and college student during the late 1970's and in 1979 earned a B.S. in Business from Bradley University. Her pursuit of academic excellence continued and she earned her Masters in Business Administration from University of Illinois in 1989. Joan was a Financial Assistant Counselor at Illinois Central College during the 1990's and later worked seasonally for H & R Block as a tax preparer.
Joan and Bud were overjoyed to become grandparents to Jeffrey Guiliano born in 1989 and to Anthony Guiliano born in 1991. Joan's loving dedication to her grandsons was a constant motivating force in her life. Their accomplishments and successes were her greatest source of happiness. Joan supported many charitable organizations including Unicef, various American Indian reservations, and public television. A quote from Marcus Aurelius was an eternal inspiration to Joan and exemplifies her true essence to those fortunate to have known her: " The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."
Joan is survived by her son, Geoffrey (Alisha) Guiliano of Bartonville, IL; her sister, Barbara Cornwell, of Madison, WI; her brother, Larry (Linda) Gann, of Palm Harbor, FL; two grandchildren, Anthony (Kirsten) Guiliano of Peoria, IL and Jeffrey Guiliano of Peoria, IL; and two nieces, Janice (Gary) Unertl of Madison, IL and Susan (Don) Hansen of Gurnee, IL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Guiliano.
Per Joan's wishes, there will be no services. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Saturday, January 13th from 2-4PM at Schooner's in Peoria Heights. Memorial donations may be made to Unicef. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes at Camp Butler National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
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Joan was born on July 16, 1938 in Staten Island, New York. She spent her childhood in Peoria, Illinois with parents Helen (Barwick) and Elmer Heggemeier along with her older sister Barbara and younger brother Larry. After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1956, Joan enrolled in secretarial courses at Bradley University and was employed as an office secretary at Caterpillar. Joan's adventurous spirit took her to San Francisco in 1960 where she was employed at a prestigious advertising agency. Because of her outstanding work ethic and job skills, Joan worked for the agency at their office location in Germany. After her incredible European experiences, Joan returned to her roots in Peoria where she met and fell in love with Alfred "Bud" Guiliano during their employment at the Red Cross. They were married in 1965 and joyfully welcomed their son, Geoffrey Scott Guiliano in April 1966. Joan thrived in her roles as wife, mother, and college student during the late 1970's and in 1979 earned a B.S. in Business from Bradley University. Her pursuit of academic excellence continued and she earned her Masters in Business Administration from University of Illinois in 1989. Joan was a Financial Assistant Counselor at Illinois Central College during the 1990's and later worked seasonally for H & R Block as a tax preparer.
Joan and Bud were overjoyed to become grandparents to Jeffrey Guiliano born in 1989 and to Anthony Guiliano born in 1991. Joan's loving dedication to her grandsons was a constant motivating force in her life. Their accomplishments and successes were her greatest source of happiness. Joan supported many charitable organizations including Unicef, various American Indian reservations, and public television. A quote from Marcus Aurelius was an eternal inspiration to Joan and exemplifies her true essence to those fortunate to have known her: " The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."
Joan is survived by her son, Geoffrey (Alisha) Guiliano of Bartonville, IL; her sister, Barbara Cornwell, of Madison, WI; her brother, Larry (Linda) Gann, of Palm Harbor, FL; two grandchildren, Anthony (Kirsten) Guiliano of Peoria, IL and Jeffrey Guiliano of Peoria, IL; and two nieces, Janice (Gary) Unertl of Madison, IL and Susan (Don) Hansen of Gurnee, IL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Guiliano.
Per Joan's wishes, there will be no services. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Saturday, January 13th from 2-4PM at Schooner's in Peoria Heights. Memorial donations may be made to Unicef. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes at Camp Butler National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
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