Joan A. Gambro
On October 18, 2023, Joan Ann (Katzenbach) Gambro, formerly of Elgin, Lake Zurich, and
Niles, Illinois, passed away. Born in Chicago on May 27, 1936, to Nicholas and Hannah
(McGann) Katzenbach, Joan enjoyed a wonderful childhood surrounded by a loving family and
friends. She met her soulmate, Frank, as a teenager, and they spent their remaining years
together loving and supporting each other. Throughout their marriage, they were inseparable
and affectionate, frequently leaving each other love notes around the house.
Joan was an extraordinary mother and grandmother. Her unconditional love was a source of
strength for her children, and she instilled in them the values of optimism, compassion,
gratitude, open-mindedness, and resilience. She encouraged them to be confident in their
abilities, help those in need, and love life to the fullest. Joan passed on those same values to
her grandchildren, spending quality time with each one, often making cookies or attending their
performances and sporting events.
Joan had an entrepreneurial spirit and created businesses in antique sales and catering. She
was a talented, self taught seamstress who often made clothes for herself and gifts for family
members. She loved making and sharing food with others – always making sure everyone got
enough or took some home. Her love of vanilla ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate sauce is
legendary – she was even known to skip the ice cream from time to time.
Joan’s presence was a true gift. Her sense of humor and smile could brighten a dark day. She
was a collector of inspiring quotations and lived by wisdom such as, “At the end of the day, I’m
thankful that my blessings are bigger than my problems”. Joan navigated life’s challenges with
grace and dignity. Even when debilitated by Alzheimer’s disease, her warmth, kindness, and
sense of humor shined through. Her caretakers often remarked how much they loved her and
how grateful they were to have known her. She was a blessing to all those she met.
Joan left a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her; she will be greatly missed by both
family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Frank and dear son Fran (Joyce). She is
survived by her sons John (Beth) Gambro and Tim (Stephanie) Gambro. Grandsons Adam
(Jules), Nicholas (Ashley), Derek (Michelle), Winston and Jack Gambro. Grandaughters Kate
and Abby Gambro. Great grandchildren Brooklyn, James, Emmie, Sammy, Charlie, and Francis
“Frankie” Gambro III.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St. Katherine Drexel
Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Rd, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Interment will be private.
Friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the Hour of Mass on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St.
Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630)
553-7611.
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