Obituary
Ronna Susan Joseph, nee Rice, 77. Loving and devoted mother of Josh (Tara) Joseph, Jeremy (Jackie) Joseph, Justin (Angel Perez) Joseph, and Matt (Jen) Bergman; proud and amazing grandmother of Sydni, Sophie, Riley, Alex, Grant, Valentina, Rigo, Eliza, and Manny; caring former spouse of Ted Joseph; cherished sister of Elayne Pritikin; loving aunt, cousin, and friend of many.
Ronna was born on September 30, 1947, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Anne, her most cherished friend, and Albert Rice. Ronna was an older sister to her brother, Butch. Ronna was your typical girl growing up who enjoyed dance as a little girl, read fashion magazines as a teenager, and had quite the infatuation with boys as she grew older. Once Ronna reached college years, she was no different than her typical and extroverted self. Ronna graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and began her professional career at Talcott Elementary School, located on West Ohio Street, in Chicago.
As Ronna continued her work at Talcott Elementary, she quickly realized she wanted more for herself, and that was to not only become a school counselor, but to also reach a higher level of education. Going back to Northeastern University, she took nightshift classes, as a full-time educator, mother of four sons, and wife to Ted. Not only did Ronna manage to stay active in all parts of her life, but she successfully graduated with a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. Ronna's higher-education career was one of her most prideful accomplishments, outside of that of her family.
Ronna was a true learner at heart – she had an affinity for reading novels, magazines, and the news. Ronna loved to travel and had the great fortune of seeing so much of the world. From a safari in South Africa, to multiple Jewish-exploration trips in Israel, to countless countries visited in Europe, to yearly three-month stays in Mexico, and decades of homes built and memories made in Door County, Wisconsin, she had a genuine passion for experiencing all this globe has to offer.
When asked what one lesson she wanted the world to know, she shared, "if you persevere, you can accomplish most things in your life. You really have that feeling when something is so important to you." Ronna was no stranger to obstacles, yet she was determined to ensure her people knew perseverance and passion are their birth-given tools to overcome any challenges and find greater strength.
Ronna Susan Joseph was a force to be reckoned with, and the world will forever be a better place because she lived in it. May her memory live on in all of those that she loved and who loved her – rest in peace, Ronna.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to House of the Good Shepherd Chicago where Ronna served on the organization's fundraising board and/or Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy's Reading for Education in Chicago, Illinois, where Ronna was a teacher and guidance counselor for the entirety of her professional career.
Graveside service Sunday, January 12, 3 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd (enter off of Wilke), Arlington Heights. For a link to view the service, shiva, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.