Elizabeth Joan Barelli Sorrentino (Joanie) died peacefully in her sleep on February 10, 2026. Services will be held on Monday, February 16, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW MO-9, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Mausoleum, Raytown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Joanie was born on April 20, 1933, to Carl and Jennie Valenti Barelli, and was proudly raised in the Italian district of Kansas City, Missouri (the North End).  Joanie had two brothers, John J. Barelli and Nick Barelli.  Her 12-year marriage to Vincent Sorrentino produced two sons and one daughter - Carl, John, and Rosemary.  Sadly, Rosemary never saw her first birthday.  Joanie was a workaholic.  In her early years she was active in St. John Parish and the American Cancer Society.  After her daughter's passing, she kept busy in various jobs involving accounting, banking, and restaurant work.  She happily worked for 52 years until she was forced to retire at 76 years old.  She then volunteered for seven years at St. Luke's North Hospital and four years at St. Therese North Food Pantry.  Briefly said, she kept busy.  Joanie enjoyed baking Italian cookies, reading, dancing, walking, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Rosemary, both parents, and both brothers.  She is survived by her sons, one sister-in-law Joanne DiCapo Barelli, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Joanie's fondest memories were of the La Capras, Donnicis, Biondos, and all the Barellis.  We all started at 5th & Cherry.

Pallbearers: Carl Barelli, Vince Lanfranca, Henry Martinez, Frank Barelli, Larry Newell, and Hugh Knefel

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com