Jo Ann Ahlberg, age 74 of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 6, 2024. Jo Ann is survived by her daughter Sara (Tim) Ahlberg-Foster, son Tim (Julie Johnson), grandson Luke Foster, and brother Steven. She was preceded in death by her husband John Ahlberg, father Joseph, and mother Lorraine.

Jo Ann was born in Chicago and grew up in Chicago Heights, IL, graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1967. Jo Ann was always interested in fashion, hair, and make-up. This passion was expressed in one of her first jobs in retail at Morris B. Sachs store in Park Forest, IL. This also gave her an opportunity to model the latest fashions in area newspaper ads. She met John in 1968, they married in 1969, and moved to Lansing, IL. In 1971 they bought and supervised the building of a brand-new home in the Pasquinelli neighborhood behind Nathan Hale in Lansing, In 1970 she finished a Cosmetology program in Harvey, IL and became a licensed cosmetologist. Her children followed soon after, and while raising them she started working out of her basement salon doing hair for many in the surrounding area. Once her children were older, she joined Idelma's Hair Design on Ridge Rd in Lansing, where she met some of her most treasured friends and colleagues.

Though her children were central to her life, she found time to explore fitness through roller skating at the Lynwood Skating Rink and playing racquet ball at the Omni Sports Complex in Schererville, IN. At these places she met many of the family friends who shared her passion for road trips, camping, and traveling. These included trips to State Parks in Indiana, Michigan, and National Parks including the epic trip to Yellowstone in 1989.

Jo Ann was crafty and throughout her life explored her creative passions through painting ceramics, building wreaths, and knitting or crocheting all kinds of projects. She was an excellent cook who knew how to spoil her family and friends with all sorts of meals or baked treats. Jo Ann's love language was gifting; she was a certified retail therapist who loved to shop. As a life-long-cosmetologist, she had an extensive collection of lotions, potions, and make-up. Regardless of her aversion of being in the spotlight or being photographed, she carefully curated her outfits, scents, and make-up.

She was the loving heart of her nuclear family and her two children were the loves of her life. She spoiled them as they grew and later turned her attentions to her grandson, Luke-man, even more. Like her whole family, she loved her pets, including her last companion Maggie May who was by her side right until she passed.

She loved reading, loved movies and music, and enjoyed a glass of wine and great conversation with close friends and family. The family plans a Celebration of Life for both her and John later this year. In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Humane Indiana in Munster, IN. http://humaneindiana.org .

Mama Loves