Joanna Tapia Chicago Obituary, Death:- Joanna Reina Tapia, age 25, of Round Lake Heights and recently of Chicago, Illinois, passed away tragically on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Chicago.
Born on June 13, 2000, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Joanna was the beloved middle child of Eduardo and Maria Tapia and a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Joanna graduated from Bradley University in 2023, a milestone that reflected her dedication, intelligence, and passion for helping others.
Following graduation, she proudly began her career with the Chicago Public School District, where she served as a special education elementary school teacher at Talcott Elementary School. Joanna was deeply committed to her students, known for her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joanna was full of warmth, humor, and love. She was recently engaged to her fiancé, Chase Luther, whom she met while in college. Their relationship was built on friendship, shared dreams, and a deep bond that brought Joanna immense joy and hope for the future.
Joanna is survived by her loving parents, Eduardo Tapia and Maria Rodriguez; her larger-than-life brother, Eduardo (Marilyn Sanchez) Tapia; her beloved younger sister, Cynthia Tapia; her cherished abuelos, Javier Tapia and Adela Ramos; and many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her abuelos Antonio Rodriguez and Reina Camacho. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Symonds Lakes Funeral Home in Grayslake.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Volo, with interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. Donations may be made in care of the Tapia family for a future memorial in Joanna’s name.