JoAnn "Ooga" Mary McInerney

“Ooga” JoAnn Mary McInerney, age 56, of Gary IN, was called home to be with the Lord on November 26, 2021. She is survived by her two daughters- Dawn Antonavich and Amy McInerney and their two daughters Ariahna and Aliyah. Her siblings Barbara Hurt sister, James and Loretta McInerney brother, Edward McInerney brother, Kathy and Nicole Ellison sister, Junior Sandifer step-brother, Tom Sandifer step-brother, Steve and Loretta Domel step-sister, Stanley and Monica Kurek nephew, Adam and Nicole Kurek nephew, James Jr. and Alexandra McInerney nephew, John McInerney nephew, Jimmy and Kristen Shaffer niece, Christopher and Alicia VanSchoyck niece, Jeniffer Hurt niece, Adrian and Alaxandria Lopez niece, Chelsey McInerney niece, Brenton McInerney nephew, Ashley McInerney niece, Jesse McInerney nephew, Joey McInerney nephew, Justin Owen nephew, Jesse and Melissa Wilson niece,  and numerous nieces and nephews in Texas.
Preceding in passing is her Father- Joseph McInerney, Mother- Barbara Swink. Brother- Joe Kidd, Step-sister Rhonda Legacy. 

JoAnn was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in the Black Oak area of Gary, IN. Always a leader she was full of love for her family and friends. After attending Calumet High School she married Brian Antonavich and had 2 daughters. JoAnn was a housewife and had a great appreciation and talent for poetry and writing. She was the matriarch mother for all the kids in the neighborhood's that she lived. Later in her 20’s she began her career as a medical assistant. Priding herself on her excellent GPA, she was a sharp and focused woman. She was always on the go and trying to make memories and smiles with all she met. Ooga could be seen in the dance club's wearing the newest fashions and "owning" the dance floor.  Having fun with her brothers, sisters, family and friends, is where her love for life and making memories shine the brightest. JoAnn was dedicated to making sure her daughters were raised to the best of her abilities with so much fun had and family always came first, she loved those close to her as no other. 
 An auto accident in the 90’s changed her life forever. Not being physically able to carry out the course, and career she had planned. JoAnn did the best she could to continue raising her daughters and enjoying life and family to the fullest!  Memories JoAnn created for many people will live on. The last 16 years of her life were spent surrounded by the loving caring excellent staff at Rensselaer Care Center in Rensselaer, IN. 

                  Let not a tear fall,
           That is not out of laughter. 
               For now with the Lord, 
               She resides ever after. 

Visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland,IN 46322, on Monday December 6, 2021 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral procession and burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary, IN. A celebration of life with music, food and sharing of memories will be held directly after the funeral at the Black Oak Eagles Lodge. 7229 W 25th Ave. Gary, IN

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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