- Date Of Birth: December 12, 1948
- Date Of Death: January 6, 2022
- State: Illinois
Our beloved Joey, Mom, Mama, Joycie, and best friend left us early Thursday, January 6, 2022, a few short weeks after celebrating her 73rd birthday with her family. She is the greatest wife and Mom that anyone could ever be lucky enough to know. She has the prettiest smile, best bear hugs, and even better advice. Her loss is immeasurable.
Mom would do anything for her family. Anytime, anyplace. If you mentioned you like an item, she would make sure it was yours. And not just one – she would get multiples “Because I like choices!” and she wanted you to have choices too.
Her family is what helped her survive. She fought as long as she did for her family. She even worked out hard trying to stick around for the family. She knows we didn’t want her to leave us.
She and Tom are high school sweethearts – true love like theirs is rare and is a gift. Life was not perfect, but it sure was an adventure. Dad lives for giving his “beloved bride of 53 years” anything and everything she could ever want. Dad loves to do anything for his Joey, and his family. Mom is Dad’s lighthouse.
Mom and Dad traveled to 24 countries together. She is the only family member to hold a 1st place trophy in off road drag racing.
Samantha and Brian led a charmed childhood with Mom and Dad never once missing a childhood event. Mom is the greatest Mom – neither of us kids could have ever wanted for a better Mom. Mom loved throwing baseballs, kicking soccer balls, watching skating lessons, and sitting at track meets. She may have been involved in a TP party, driving around high schoolers so they wouldn’t get caught TP’ing houses. She giggles her heart out at rubber band fights and watching her family play hide and seek in her house. Family celebrations are always extra with the best food and presents – thank you Mom! The memories are forever.
Her family is her pride and joy. She loved watching her kids get married, and she is beyond proud of their accomplishments. She is a fierce supporter of her family’s hobbies. Nobody ever will have our backs the way our Mom has our backs! It’s just going to be a little harder to do from Heaven.
Mom is an avid reader and passed her love on to Samantha and Chloe. She is an incredible artist. From macrame’ to ceramics, diamond art and interior design, she has more talent than she ever gave herself credit for. Her love of pretties and legacy of beautiful items will be preserved with her family.
Mama loves her “hearts on two feet” more that life itself. She helped raise them and loves on them until they cannot take any more love. Mama makes the BEST PB&J sandwiches, and always has OCPs in the drawer for her grandkids. Chocolate milk is always on hand when they come over, and her spaghetti is often requested. She will tell anyone that listens that her Chloe Monkey is the most beautiful dancer onstage. You should hear her talk about her Tristan and his acting and singing that leaves her speechless. Her two grandchildren make her prouder than she ever thought she could be, and they are so incredibly lucky to have their Mama.
Mom’s four legged critters and feather friends will miss her. Pixie and Oreo were rescue kitties and are loved beyond measure. (Though sometimes it sure would be nice if they would let her sleep!) The outside birds are always well fed. She loves her grand dog and is the best dog sitter. Even the neighborhood dog comes for treats nightly, and Mom loves to oblige with steak and hot dogs.
Mom loves her chariot – her lawn mower. She made a beautiful home for her family, no matter where it was in the world.
Mom loves soft butter (who likes cold butter, anyway?), morning coffee with peanut butter toast. She hates celery, pepper, and abhors spices on her steaks. She can sniff them out from miles away! Nobody can make a better pork chop and cheesy potatoes than Mom. Her fingernails were always perfectly manicured even though her illnesses. She loved the compliments she received about her nails. She loves warm socks and her shoes. Not just any shoes, but colorful statement shoes. They are eye catching and fun, and always make her (and anyone who see them) smile.
Our hearts are broken. We love you Joey, Mom, Mama, Joycie, Joyce. You are loved. You are missed.
Her beloved husband of 53 years, Tom Wick, survives. Daughter Samantha (Scott) Schonert, son Brian (Jennifer) Wick, granddaughter Chloe Schonert, grandson Tristan Schonert, sister Beth (Mike) McSweeney, best friend Annie (Jimmy) Manint, and numerous nieces and nephews will find a way to move on without her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Madaline (Morger) Howell, and her sister Sherrie (Howell) Parrish.
