Virginia Lorraine Gosanko

Virginia Lorraine Gosanko, age 87, Beloved wife of the late Robert “Gus” for 67 years; Loving mom of Catherine (Robert) Burnham and Sharon (Lance) Luka; Cherished grandma of Nicholas and Joseph Luka; Dear sister of the late John (Clara) Begley and dear sister in law of Clarence (Marilyn) Gosanko, Nicholas (the late Jackie) Gosanko, Steven (Patricia) Gosanko, Michele Gosanko, and the late Gloria Wichert. Fond aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Born in Chicago on May 24, 1937 to Lawrence and Virginia (Marchese) Begley, Lorraine (as she was fondly known to many) attended Our Lady of the Angels school on the west side of the city and transitioned to clerical trade school during which she became proficient in a variety of general office skills. Lorraine began working soon thereafter at Illinois Gear and Machine during which time she met Robert, a skinny sailor ‘on the town’ in 1954 while he was on leave. Lorraine and Robert began a long distance courtship while he was overseas that culminated in their wedding day on November 2, 1957 at St Priscilla Catholic Church on the north side of Chicago.

In the early 1960’s, the happy couple embarked on an adventure of a lifetime leaving the comforts of family and familiarity in the city and purchased a new home in the far western remote village of Itasca. Lorraine continued working in Chicago and commuted daily by train via the Milwaukee West line (now Metra) until 1969 when her first daughter, Catherine, was born. Soon thereafter, her second daughter, Sharon, was born and made her family complete. Lorraine was a devoted mother to both girls and spent tireless hours supporting sporting events and dance recitals throughout their childhood and teenage years. As her daughters married and left home, Lorraine began working part time again in Itasca and joined the Itasca Garden Club where she honed her skills with beautiful floral arrangements that adorned her home. She and Robert became active members at the Itasca Park District, where she enjoyed walking the indoor track daily.

As a devout Roman Catholic, Lorraine was a devoted parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Church and served the parish community as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years. She faithfully attended mass and Eucharistic Adoration regularly and would visit the sanctuary daily with Robert for quiet prayer. Lorraine’s devotion to the Blessed Mother was a source of peace and strength that sustained her throughout her life.

Visitation Thursday, October 17th 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, 551 N Rush Street, Itasca. Interment private. For funeral info:630-250-8588 or oaksfh.com