Obituaries
Eda Gass
February 9, 1930 - June 26, 2023
- Memorial Service
- July 6, 2023 | 10:30 A.M.
-
St. Patrick Catholic Church
400 Cedar Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
Private
Eda Gass, born Ida Giovanna Piccinini on February 9, 1930, entered into eternal life on June 26, 2023.
Within a year of her birth, the family started calling her Giovanna, which her sister said as “Joey”, and
that is what she was called the rest of her life.
Joey was born in Chicago to Assunta (nee Cristofani) and Pompilio Piccinini, the sister to Zaira. The
family lived there for a few years, then relocated to St. Charles where Joey grew up and subsequently
lived. She attended St. Patrick grade school, Mount Saint Mary high school, and DePaul University,
graduating with a liberal arts degree. She taught at Lincoln Elementary in St. Charles and was asked to
take over as principal by the Driscoll / Munhall sisters. She started graduate school at Northern Illinois
University where she met the only other single person in the program, Cletus Gass (Happy). They
started dating shortly after, and married in 1961.
Joey and Happy had a wonderful marriage. They were very involved in St. Patrick Catholic Church and
were a voice for peace and justice for all. They spent three years as volunteers in Uganda, Africa, after
which they said they realized they could serve as well at home as half way around the world. Joey was a
founding member of Tri-City Hope, worked at the original area homeless shelters, and participated in
many social justice groups, reading groups, and bridge groups. She was a superb cook who several times
a week entertained various friends and family at her table. Her bread was truly world famous.
Joey is survived by their three children, Christopher (Carey), Martha (Greg), and Ellen; and by 6
grandchildren Felicia, Ericca, Grace, Vincent, Cole, and Shane; and a large close and extended family.
A memorial mass is planned for July 6, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in downtown St.
Charles, 400 Cedar St., with a luncheon to follow at the Fr. Carse Center at the church.
Donations cam be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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Michael Hill from St. Charles, IL
"The minute I met her I knew she was a special person. The world was a better place because of her. May she Rest In Peace."
Mary Lynn (Nord) McGowan from Effingham, IL
"My name is Mary Lynn McGowan (formerly Nord) who was a student of Eda Gass before she was married, and her last name was Piccinini. She was my 3rd grade teacher in 1954 and my 5th grade teacher in 1956 and I loved her as a teacher. In 1999, I found out where she lived and wrote her a letter -- she responded and invited me to visit her. She also invited my husband and me to visit her and her husband a few weeks later. She remembered me like it was only "yesterday" and I had a wonderful visit with her. She will always be in my memories. I now live in Effingham, IL (central IL) where I have been for 7 years, but I lost my husband last November from cancer."
Kay Gotter from Elgin, IL
"Joey was a fantastic woman. Her and Hap showed what is a true marriage. Both of them left a footprint in this world with their willing service to others. They were loved by many people."
Lynn Gass from Millstadt, IL
"I just learned today, July 31st of Aunt Joeys passing. I remember her as the sweetest, strongest caring Christian lady who loved everyone. Im sure she is happy in her final resting place with Jesus❤️🕊"
Sherry Meyer from Arua, IN
"Joey was so loved by the people of Maracha where she and Happy served in Uganda. Many remember her with great fondness. Her dedication to the girls at Maracha Domestic Science Institute. She helped so many young women. She was a mentor to me. She encouraged me as a fearful missionary headed to Maracha and supported me throughout my years in Uganda. A life well lived. She's now alive in the glory of God."