Lois Goss Obituary

Lois Jean Goss
Born: November 12, 1928 in Joliet, IL
Died: September 8, 2025 in Joliet, IL
Lois J. Goss of Joliet, a beloved mother, Nuni, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025 at the age of 96. Survived by her children James (Barbara) Goss and Janet (Daniel) Feeney, grandchildren Shay (Jeano VerSchave) Feeney, Aubrey Feeney, Casey Feeney, Lindsay (Derrick) Aikman, Heather (Adam) Nash, Stephanie Swift, Jeffrey (Claire) Swift and Ryan (Carli) Swift, great grandchildren Red, Walker and Evers Aikman, Bennett and Anders VerSchave, Kate and Edson Minderhoud, Harrison Swift and Mae, John and Anna Swift, brother Thomas (Shirley) Ariagno and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband George E. Goss (2023), parents Louis and Irene (nee Casagrande) Ariagno, her dear aunt Evelyn, brothers-in-law Almer (Honey), Richard (Anita) and Robert (Marilyn), and sisters-in-law Eleanor McGuire, Verna (Joseph) Chiapello and Wiletta Goss (in childhood).
Following high school, Lois married her grade school sweetheart, George. Their marriage of 76 years was tough to hold a candle to, as they embraced each other's lifestyles wholeheartedly, and she continued to follow in his traditions to stay close to him after his passing two years prior. Lois and George had settled down in Joliet and created a beautiful family together. She was great at storytelling and shared many memories of their original neighborhood on the south side around Sacred Heart Catholic Church at a time when neighbors were true friends. Displaced by the construction of Interstate 80, they moved to their long-time home in Hawthorne Hills and lived there for nearly 60 years.
They frequented Stone City VFW Post 2199 to pursue some of their favorite activities, together and separately- lighting up the lanes with avid, skilled bowling, pursuing weekly bingo nights, and spending Saturday evenings dancing to big band music. Notably, Lois loved many genres of music and traveling when opportunities struck. They looked forward to their yearly trips of visiting her uncle Dom and auntie Claire at their Minnesota home to go fishing on the lakeside. She also enjoyed the occasional casinos and once made it to Las Vegas for an exciting adventure. In recent years, she took special pleasure in the many emotional support dogs she was able to relate to during the time she lived at Cedarhurst, thanks to the people she grew close to who brought them around. Lois' own dogs had long been precious to her, including some poodles. She was also heartened to keep in touch with her brother, though distance and health prevented in-person visits.
Lois was the heart of her family, always bringing loved ones together around her table. Known for her wonderful cooking, she made every meal feel like a celebration, and her home was filled with warmth, sincerity, and the comfort of companionship. She had a zest for life that made her unforgettable-fun, sassy, and cutting with her wit in a way that her beloved people knew well.
As a talented hairdresser, she had a gift for making people feel beautiful inside and out. Her clients often became her friends, touched by her humor, kindness, and caring nature.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that her family will forever cherish. Her memory will live on in every story told, every shared meal, every hummingbird and cardinal, and all the moments of joy her family carries forward. She will be deeply missed and remembered by her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all of those who knew her as Nuni, as her arms were always open to embracing an "extra daughter".
Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., which will be immediately followed by prayers and procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL for Inurnment. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.