Jeanie Gelsomino

Princeton - Frances Jean Gelsomino, lovingly known as Jeanie, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, March 28, 2025 at her home, with her husband Vince, daughter Amy and a few loving close friends by her side. Jeanie was born on March 5, 1943 in Joliet, IL. The daughter of the late Mary (Legan) and Arthur Residori She married Vincent P. Gelsomino on September 11, 1965 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Joliet. He survives her, along with their daughter, Amy Gelsomino of Peoria. A beloved son, Daniel "Danny" Gelsomino, preceded her in death in 2014, her parents Mary and Arthur Residori, as well as her siblings and their spouses, Mary Ann (Ron) Stasko and Emma (Richard) Mikuska, had also preceded her in death. Jeanie attended St. Joseph's Grade School and St. Francis Academy graduating in 1961. She was recipient of the journalism award her senior year and was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council for four years and co-editor of the high school newspaper, the Focus. After graduation, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Lawrence Hollander for five years. She and her husband moved to Bureau County in 1966 where Vince was an instrumental music teacher for Western Community Unit Schools, Buda-Sheffield, IL. Jeanie worked as a reporter and later Community Editor for the Bureau County Republican for years. During her tenure at the BCR, she earned 12 prestigious first place awards for featuring writing, community service and investigative reporting from the Illinois Press Association (IPA), the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association (NINA) and the Illinois Hospital Association. She also penned a weekly column called Junkin' With Jeanie as well as various other columns and photo features. After resigning from the BCR, she worked as the program coordinator for Freedom House, a domestic violence shelter. Jeanie worked at Flowers by Julia as a display designer/sales associate for five years. In 2003, she studied Real Estate at Illinois Valley Community College and worked as a realtor for eight years before retiring in 2011. Jeanie served as a board member for Freedom House and was the first woman to join the Kiwanis Golden K Club in Princeton. She was an active member of the St. Louis Council of Catholic Women (CCW) and served as president for two years. She also chaired several monthly meetings and fundraisers. In 2019, Jeanie was recognized as one of the Outstanding CCW Volunteers in the Peoria. Diocese and in 2018, Jeanie founded the glimmer of Comfort Grief Support Group for women who lost a child or children from an illness. Suicide, and accident, addiction, or miscarriage. She always felt that was a special way she could honor her son, Danny, after he lost his battle with cancer. A gathering will be held at Harkrader Hall (adjacent to St. Louis Catholic Church) one hour prior to the Mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025. A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 616 S. Gosse Blvd. In Princeton at 11:00 am. Officiated by Father Gregory Jarzombek. A private burial will be held at a later date and time at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for charitable distribution: Children's Home Association of Illinois, where her daughter Amy works. On line condolences may be directed to www.norbergth.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Jeanie Gelsomino

March 5, 1943 - March 28, 2025