Josephine Corcoran, 97, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday December 23, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. The Catholic Daughters of America will recite the Rosary at 3:45 p.m.
Josephine was born on February 20, 1927 in Peru, to Joseph and Pearl (Tomczak) Parat. She was a graduate from LaSalle-Peru High School. Josephine married John Wolfe Corcoran on April 16, 1955 at St. Valentine Church in Peru. Together they raised six children. She spent her life as a homemaker and volunteer for church and school activities. She was known for her great smile and sense of humor. One of her favorite holidays was April Fool’s Day. She was a member of St. Columba Church in Ottawa, the Altar and Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America-Court 236 and the Legion of Mary. She enjoyed traveling, flower gardening, and being a teacher’s aide. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Josephine resided at LaSalle County Nursing Home since August 2023 where she enjoyed the activities and the social life provided by the nursing home. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at LaSalle County Nursing Home for their kindness and exceptional care.
She is survived by six children, Joan (John) Armstrong of Utica, Teresa (Ken) Lubanowski of Wentzville, MO, Tim (Christina) Corcoran of Ottawa, Mike (Michele) Corcoran of South Elgin, Ann (Chuck) Havelka of Sanford, FL, and Alice (Mike) Carrera of Ottawa; 11 grandchildren, Nicole Lubanowski, Ruth Ofiara, Amanda Perkins, Kayla Corcoran, Leslie Gayan-Fox, Mia Carrera, Connor Armstrong, Jake, Luke, and Kelli Corcoran, and Rachel Havelka; and four great grandchildren, Madelyn and Adeleigh Perkins, Greta Jo Armstrong, and Fitz Fox. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John on December 28, 2021; a sister, Sophie Manicki; and two brothers, Anthony and John Parat.
Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or Marquette Academy.
Pallbearers will be Connor Armstrong, Jacob Corcoran, Luke Corcoran, Mike Carrera,
Ken Lubanowski, and Chuck Havelka.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com.
Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433