
JoAnne Liedel Cicchelli, 81, of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois, died, Friday, August 2, 2024, in the presence of her family.
Her life began October 3, 1942 in Monroe, Michigan, the oldest of two sisters born to Ruth and Clayton Liedel. She married William S. Singer in Florence, Italy, October 12, 1995.
JoAnne was entirely and truly herself: she was an intellectual force to be reckoned with. She enjoyed luxurious travel and watching the sunset in Three Oaks with a watered-down vodka tonic. She loved brunch at Nookies, sopapillas at Tia Sophia’s, and the tiramisu at Vecchia Roma. She was at ease holding court at a State Dinner as she was knee-deep in her garden, twigs in her hair, trimming weeds with her garden shears.
Her early life was filled with love and laughter on Godfroy Avenue and at Lake Leelanau, with her parents and younger sister. JoAnne attended Monroe High School and graduated from Michigan State University. A devout Spartan throughout her life, you could always find a green helmet bumper sticker adorning her car.
While in college JoAnne married her first husband Martin Cicchelli. After graduation, the couple lived briefly in Corning, New York before moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1968. There, they welcomed their daughter Elizabeth, followed four years later by their second daughter Katherine.
In the early 80’s JoAnne met former Alderman Bill Singer. Throughout their relationship, JoAnne and Bill built and deepened their friendships and traveled the world. Their shared passion for politics, art, food, beauty, and family were at the core of their many years together.
JoAnne’s professional career reflected her life long commitment to education as a vehicle for social change. In her early career, she taught 5th grade and then high school history. Years later she returned to the field of education at Prime-Time School Television, a non-profit organization that connected teachers, families, and public television.
Together JoAnne and Bill were deeply involved in the community at Francis W. Parker school in the heart of Lincoln Park, where their daughters, granddaughters, and nephews all attended. She also served on the Board of Christopher House, a social service agency helping families from birth through high school. When Christopher House founded a K-8 charter several years ago,
JoAnne played a key role in launching the middle school, later named The JoAnne Cicchelli Middle School in her honor.
Her commitment to education was matched by her passion for politics. JoAnne
first became immersed in the politics of the 43rd Ward, immediately after the
1968 Chicago Democratic Convention in Chicago. She was a precinct worker during mayoral campaigns, strategist, and became the office manager for 43rd Ward Alderman Edwin Eisendrath.
JoAnne was eager to hear from every cab driver, waiter, store clerk and toll booth operator about where they stood on the daily happenings of the world. When she listened, she listened deeply. No matter who you were, to be in JoAnne’s orbit was to be known and loved.
Joanne will be greatly missed by family, friends and communities. She is survived by her beloved husband of 29 years, William S. Singer of Chicago, Illinois; two daughters, Elizabeth A. (Robert Buono) Cicchelli of Chicago, Illinois; Katherine E. Cicchelli of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Grace R. Buono of Chicago, Illinois, Eleanor E. Buono of Chicago, Illinois and
Beatrice N. Cicchelli; one sister, Vicki Liedel (Tom) Rosenbluth of Three Oaks, MI; three nephews, Jesse Clayton (Sara Burns) Rosenbluth, Jacob Paul Rosenbluth, Thomas Dylan Rosenbluth; and great-niece Lucy Pepper Rosenbluth.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will observe a private remembrance.
Joanne will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Joanne’s memory by occasionally taking a moment to listen for her in a bird’s song or look for her in trees or flowers. You can also honor her memory by casting a ballot in November.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Posted On: Thursday, August 8, 2024 2:51 PM