Angela C. Pantoja "Angie", also known as "The Taco Lady", age 42 of Joliet, IL passed away on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the loving, protective, and supportive presence of her family. She is survived by her husband David Pantoja, children David II and Aaliyah Pantoja, parents Steve and Karen (nee Fitzgerald) Chellios, siblings Christa (Sam) Blatt and Nicholas (Charleigh) Chellios, brothers-in-law Michael Pantoja and Daniel (Rosanna) Pantoja, nieces and nephews Yasmin (Zach) Pantoja, Celeste Pantoja, Danyelle Pantoja, Yanelle Saldana, Mariah Pantoja, Sabrina Pantoja, Lydia Pantoja, Louis Blatt, Brielle Blatt, Euthemios Chellios and Casper Chellios, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, and her beloved dog Oso Blanco. Preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Euthemios and Marilyn Chellios, maternal grandparents Jack and Judy Fitzgerald, mother-in-law Kimberly K. Pantoja, niece Sophia Pantoja, cousin Brian Chellios, and beloved dogs Rocky and Xena.

Since birth, Angie's world has revolved around love and joy sourced from family and friends. Devoted to the role, she provided herself as the pillar of strength and comfort to her home. Angela took great pride in loving her two kids and husband, teaching them morals based on love, strength, community, and security. Known and remembered for her tight hugs and contagious laugh, her vibrant energy was felt from family, friends, and even throughout the community. Her home had open doors, often mothering others and providing her roof to them with open arms. Although her children were her world, when she wasn't tending to her children you could often find her listening to music—embracing each note. She handled the daily operations of a capricious home with the upmost grace, patience, amiability, and love one could possibly have.

Visitation for Angie will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home from 3:00 P.M. until the time of Service at 7:00 P.M., also at the funeral home. Per her wishes, cremation will take place following services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Angie's name to the Fields for Hope Foundation, serving families in the Lincoln Way Community High School District area, by paying online at https://fieldsforhopefoundation.org/how-can-i-help/ or making checks payable to Fields For Hope Foundation c/o Brian Kestel, 14850 W Delaney Road, Manhattan, IL 60442. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.