Obituary: Catherine Marie Colonna (nee Rodgers)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Catherine Marie Colonna

(nee Rodgers)

Catherine Marie Colonna, of Morris and formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was born in Joliet, Illinois, on June 17, 1948, to the late Stephen "Buster" and Josephine (nee Loetcher) Rodgers and was proudly raised on the city's East Side in the Forest Park neighborhood.

A graduate of Joliet Central High School, Class of 1967, Catherine married the love of her life, Giovanni "John" Colonna, on July 8, 1967. Together they shared a devoted marriage and were blessed with four daughters. They made their home in Joliet, where they lovingly raised their family and created countless cherished memories over the course of almost 59 years.

Catherine dedicated many years of service as a bus driver for Troy Community School District before her retirement. Always eager to support her daughters and her community, she dedicated her time as a Girl Scout leader and PTA President. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Nativity Church and the Lockport Moose Lodge No. 1557. An accomplished seamstress, Catherine found joy in sewing and took pride in creating items with her hands for those she loved. Catherine lived life to the fullest; she loved the rhythm of country line dancing, hitting the lanes for bowling, and expressing her creativity through scrapbooking. Whether it was a lively game night or a quiet afternoon, her absolute favorite moments were those spent making memories with her grandkids.

Catherine was a brave cancer survivor whose resilience and strength inspired all who knew her, but above all, Catherine will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. The memories she created, the kindness she shared, and the example of quiet strength she lived by will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Catherine is survived by her beloved husband, Giovanni "John" Colonna; four daughters, Angela (Andrew) Lilek, Diana Colonna, Ginetta (Christopher) Peterson, Anna (Kevin) Dvorak; eight grandchildren, Andrew (Lisa Wood) Lilek, Autumn (Jordan) Barnett, Alyss (Tyler) Shank, Genevieve (fiancé Nelson Tibbs) Dvorak, Nicole Colonna, Brodie Peterson, Marissa Dvorak, Zander Peterson; five great-grandchildren, Micah Shank, Nolan Barnett, Olivia Lilek, Mason Shank, Cooper Barnett; her siblings, Louis (Judy Mork) Rodgers, JoAnne Anderson, Steve Rodgers, Penny (the late Ted II) Nardin, Myrtle Boex, Jim (Marie Martin) Rodgers, and Bill (Angela O'Brien) Rodgers; sisters-in-law, Antonette (Robert) Simpson, Bonnie Rodgers, Linda Rodgers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Edward and Dwaine Rodgers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name can be made to Dementia Society of America.

Visitation for Catherine Marie Colonna will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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