Joanna Schuster

Joanna Marian Wroblewski Schuster died Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Joanna was born March 16,1947 in Chicago, Illinios to Eugene and Anna Marie Wroblewski; she was the younger sister to Eugene "Gene" Wroblewski. Throughout her life, Joanna faced numerous trials and tribulations. One of the most impactful was the death of her beloved mother when Joanna was only 11. She graduated from Lourdes Catholic High School in Chicago, and then began working for St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church.

Joanna's proudest accomplishment was being a mother to her children Patrick and Megan, and later as Grandma/MeMaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter the challenges life brought her way, they were always her first priority. Her loving and giving nature made her a favored mom among Patrick and Megan's childhood friends.

She moved to Irving, Texas in 1983. There, while holding various careers in the banking industry, Joanna continued her service to the church in multiple capacities. At St. Luke's, where Patrick and Megan attended grade school, Joanna started the after-school childcare program. She then proposed and chaired a fundraiser to build a new playground at the school. She also served as School Board president for several years. She was a devoted cross-country mom, Boy Scout mom, softball mom, and dance mom. At times, she worked three jobs to make ends meet and to provide a Catholic education for her children. Even when she truly didn't have time or couldn't afford to, she somehow found a way to say "yes."

As Patrick and Megan started families of their own, she became a doting grandmother. While still working full-time, Joanna continued in her service to every parish to which she belonged, volunteering at her grandchildren's schools as often as she was able. She became a member of the Grandmother's Club at Most Blessed Sacrament, served meals to the homeless through the Arlington Life Shelter, and most recently, as one of the parish's founding members, she served on the Liturgy Committee at St. Martin of Tours.

Devout in her faith, she faced her cancer battle with courage and determination. Though she spent a majority of the last four months of her life in hospitals, she would still ask for special intentions for others in need when parish volunteers would come by to offer her a spiritual Communion.

Monsignor Pemberton administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on January 29. On January 30, at 3:39 PM, she began her everlasting life with Christ.

Joanna is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Anna Marie Wroblewski; and her brother, Gene Wroblewski.

She is survived by her son, Patrick Schuster and wife Amy; daughter, Megan McCormick and husband Kevin; grandchildren, Dakota (Abby) Fox, Morgan Schuster, Danielle McCormick, Ella Schuster, Gavin McCormick, Vincent Ciancio; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Anderson Fox; nieces, Anna Helwig, Janet (Dirk) Skogsberg, Laura Calderon, Karen (Dave) Zeller; nephew, Rafael Calderon; and numerous extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the charities close to Joanna's heart - Catholic Charities, JDRF, or American Cancer Society.