Search by Name

Search by Name

Joni Horvath Obituary

Horvath, Joni Marie (nee Zahorik), 36, of Vernon Hills, IL, wife of Edmund, loving mother of Christopher, Andy and Rachel Horvath, dear sister of Kathy (Kirk) Miller and Robert E. (Amy) Zahorik, loving daughter of Robert J. and Marilyn Zahorik. Visitation 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 17th, Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday, Holy Cross Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Rd., Evanston, IL, 60201. For funeral Info., 847-831-4260.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18, 2001.

Memories and Condolences
for Joni Horvath

Not sure what to say?





Chris Bott Prais

August 11, 2021

Joni was my best friend in High School. I have never forgotten the great times we had and her wonderful warm personality. She was so much fun! After HS, we lost touch, but I think of her quite often as such a bright light throughout my HS days. I still have the cards and letters she wrote to me. I can´t believe it´s been gone this long. It just breaks my heart However, she will always be in my heart and memories

JEANNE BYARD

August 11, 2020

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Anne Corley

September 15, 2001

You fought a good fight for so many years and now you have God's ear. Pray for us, dear Joni, during these stressful days ahead of us since September 11th, 2001. Your Mom and Dad's friend, Anne and son Tim Corley.

Uncle John and Aunt Linda Zahorik

September 14, 2001

Anyone who was fortunate enough to receive a written note from Joni knows how deep her thoughts and large her heart was. She made us all feel special when she was the special one. She had a gift, now we have a gift of her memories. We love you, Joni and will miss you deeply.

Kathy Miller

September 14, 2001

Sisters are a treasure, Joni was mine. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and all her cute little ways. I wish I could write more about all her kindness but I'm crying to hard, I love you Joni and I miss you. Your sister Kathy

Kirk Miller

September 12, 2001

Joni was my only sister-in-law and at one time my secretary.She was the best employee I ever had.She went above and beyond to make sure that I was as happy as could be in performing my work.But most of all,Joni was my friend.We will all be with her sooner than later.Joni,make sure you save all of us a spot.God Bless you and all who knew you.

Bernie Vondersmith

September 11, 2001

I met Joni only once, this past July. I pray daily with and for Bob and Marilyn for strength and comfort.

Amy Zahorik

September 10, 2001

I will miss Joni's answering machine messages which matched the season or the holiday. My children will miss her perfect birthday and Christmas presents - she always knew just what they would love. We will all miss her laughter and smile and funny remarks. May you be at peace Joni, and know how very much you meant to us.

Kathy Fuller

September 10, 2001

Joni was a sweetheart and a hero who fought for as long and as hard as she could. She is now at peace and needs to fight no longer. I can't help but feel she is shooting par on the heaven's best course and knows who much she touched everyone with whom she came in contact.



Bob, Marilyn and family - you are all in our continued prayers and hope that you feel our love and support.

Mary Beth Elster

September 9, 2001

Joni was my cousin. We are blessed with a very close family and always looked upon her as a sister. No one could make us laugh harder than Joni. She had such a sweetness about her. Her warmth, cheerfulness, and sense of humor will be sorely missed. Thank you Joni for your loving smile-it is a wonderful memory to have of you....

ed Nealon

September 8, 2001

Years ago, Joni would baby sit for my son Ed, and simply, I discovered that she simply made everything so much more enjoyable. I am an avid golfer and I had the priviledge of playing with Joni. I can't tell you how enjoyable that was: not to mention she played from the men's tees. I know now that she is at Peace with God.

Patty Krkljes

September 8, 2001

Joni was my "kid" cousin and such a bright spot in my life. Now I like to think of her "somewhere over the rainbow". The skies are clear. No more storms. And no more glaring sun. Only a perfect peacefulness with God, which she so deserves. May she now know the great gift she was to all of us.

Ron and Marge Auer

September 7, 2001

May Joni's bright smile - contagious laugh - and giving spirit live on in the hearts and memories of the many who loved her so. Her life has taught us much and we continue to learn.

Tara and Cayley Krkljes

September 7, 2001

Aunt Joni was so nice and she had a nice little girl.

Eddie Nealon

September 6, 2001

Aunt Joni would also let me get silly, and sometimes she would get silly with me, most adults do not like silliness, but she loved it!

Linda Meyer

September 6, 2001

All I keep seeing in my mind is Joni's bright radiant smile! She was the best mother, daughter and friend. We are all so lucky to have had her in our lives.

HERB AND JEANNE BYARD

September 6, 2001

WE SHARE YOUR LOSS WITH EVERYONE, NEAR AND FAR, WHO KNEW JONI. MAY THE CHILDREN AND YOUR FOND MEMORIES HELP TO EASE THE PAIN, IN TIME. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES. YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO MANY.......

Marilyn Zahorik

September 6, 2001

No more tears my darling girl..Just happiness surrounds you now..you have left the greatest legacy known to man..Chris, Andy & Rachel..because of them you'll never be away from us. Your Mom

Chris (Bott) Prais

September 3, 2001

Joni was a very special person. I remember her as a very fun, outgoing, caring person. She has a special place in my heart. Although we lost touch after high school, she had such an impact on my life that I will love and remember her forever.

Robert Zahorik

August 29, 2001

Joni was our Joy. We have those memories to help us.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Joni Horvath's name

Memorial Events
for Joni Horvath

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Joni's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joni Horvath's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more