Obituary: Gidia "Jean" Fiaoni

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Gidia “Jean” Fiaoni (nee Basso), age 90, of Joliet, IL and formerly Chicago, passed away peacefully at home with her daughters at her side Friday morning June 25, 2021.

She was born February 10, 1931, to the late Anna Maria (nee Costa) and Andrea Basso in Chicago, IL. Jean attended St. Joachim grade school in Chicago and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Lisle. She received an associate’s degree from Bogan Junior College and began her career teaching at Little Flower Catholic grade school. Several years later, as requirements changed, Jean returned to college to further her education, attending Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa and ultimately receiving her bachelor’s in education from Governors State University. After working for the Board of Education in Chicago for a few years, Jean returned to doing what she truly loved, teaching at St. Rene grade school in Chicago for many years until she retired in 1996.

Jean is the beloved mother of Karen Smoczkiewicz, Sharon Reeve, and Annette (Ed) Bishop; loving and devoted grandmother of Brian Hogan, Natalie (Bart) Peters, Chris (April) Edwards, Candace (Shane) Day, Danny Hogan, Donnie (Tabatha) Edwards, Alexandra Smoczkiewicz, Jenna (Derek) Bishop-Albert, Jordan (Malinda) Meyer and Nicky (Courtney) Bishop; proud great-grandmother of Brian Hogan, Madison Kinchen, Hayden Edwards, Carson Kinchen, Chloe Edwards, Daulton Meyer, Hailey Edwards, Brooklyn Day, William Day, Charlie Edwards, Giselle Smoczkiewicz, Hudson Edwards and Jasmine Smoczkiewicz. Also surviving are her brother, Andrea Basso, and her nieces and nephews, Andrew (Debbie) Basso, Barbara (Cindy) Galindo, Carla Kanak (Andy), and Raymond (Stacey) Basso.

Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Iole Basso; and sister-in-law, Joan Basso.

Jean and her family will be eternally grateful for the compassionate care shown to them by the Residential Hospice staff, especially nurses, Gladys and Rosa; aide, Connie; music therapist, Beth; and massage therapist, Dawn.

Visitation for Mrs. Fiaoni will be Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. Funeral services will be Monday, July 12, 2021, 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brookforest Ave (Rt. 59), Shorewood where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to Residential Hospice Foundation, 5440 Corporate Dr., Suite 400, Troy, MI 48098, (866) 902-5854.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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