On January 28, 2021, Sra Villarreal, 94, recently of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called home. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loving family who held her hands to the end. She was also joined by her extended family from a far who could not be at her bedside but sent all of their prayers and love to comfort her in her final moments. Sra. Villarreal was born on April 21, 1926 in El Carmen, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to a loving family. La Sra Villarreal was a fiercely devoted and charismatic woman who faced life and its tragedies with a deep faith, a wicked sense of humor, and contagious joy. She often turned to the care of her family to help her through the tough times. She and her husband sacrificed much to provide for their family, including being separated for many years as they eventually immigrated to the city of Chicago. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are eternally grateful for her sacrifices and her example. She will be missed. She is survived by five loving children, Guadalupe (Carmen) Villarreal, Maria (William) Byerley, Juanita (Miguel) Gomez, Genoveva Cuvelier, and Matilde (Michael) Romanowski; 17 adoring grandchildren she proudly helped raise, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sra Villarreal was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Antonio Villarreal, parents, Cristobal and Maria Encarnacion, and 5 siblings, Agapito Epigmenio, Juan Humberto, Gregoria, Alonso, and Maria del Rosario. Josie, as she was lovingly called in her later years, was also deeply adored by the staff at her Nursing Home, who lined up to pay their respects to their adopted "Abuelita" in her final days. Her family takes great comfort in knowing the impact she had on so many. A private, by invitation wake for Josie will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road Aurora, IL 60504. Josie was a deeply faithful and caring woman, in lieu of flowers, please say a prayer on her behalf and perform an act of kindness in your community. Once COVID restrictions allow, Sra Villarreal will return to her beloved Mexico and a mass will be held in her honor at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church. Interment will follow at Municipal El Carmen Cemetery beside her husband. In accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines, all attendees will be required to wear a face mask and observe social distancing while in the funeral home and at church. For more information, please call 815-725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com