June 8, 1935 – September 7, 2023
Joan Kathryne Anderson passed away on September 7, 2023, at the age of 88. Her departure has left a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she will be dearly missed.
Joan was born on June 8, 1935, to the late Leonard and Genevieve Anderson in Chicago, Illinois. Joan graduated high school from Loretto Academy/Institute of the Blessed Virgin. Following high school, she was a first-generation college student and earned her bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a master’s degree from Purdue University.
Joan’s passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in education. She began her career teaching English and Social Studies and then served over four decades as the counselor at Memorial Junior High School in Lansing, Illinois. She was a dedicated educator and compassionate counselor. Joan was very involved in the school’s drama club and was sponsor of student council. She was committed to providing students with the support and encouragement they needed to succeed academically and personally.
Joan lived most of her life in Glenwood, Illinois. Outside of her professional life she was an active member of the Lansing community. She volunteered her time and expertise to various local organizations:
- The Rainbows for All Children organization where she connected students to resources to help empower them to navigate the challenges of adolescence, uncertainty, and loss and grief
- The Mary Ward Center of Chicago, teaching English as a second language;
- St. John Roman Catholic Church in Glenwood, Illinois, where she served as Minister of Communion and President of the Parish Council
Whether interacting with friends, family members, fellow parishioners, or students Joan always gave the very best of herself.
Even though she did not marry or have kids of her own, she was a parental figure to many of her students at Memorial as well as a devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt. Joan started many family traditions we hold so dear. Her legacy lives on in these traditions, and we are grateful for the life lessons she taught us through her example.
Joan, like her ‘baby brother,’ Ed, was an avid reader, often seen with a book in hand. Aside from reading, Joan loved crafts, and she made many beautiful afghans and Christmas stockings that she often gifted. She enjoyed traveling and collected spoons on her journeys. Joan also enjoyed watching sports and was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan.
Joan was predeceased by her brother, Edward. Joan is survived by her sister-in law Janet; nieces Julie, Meg, and Carolyn; and great nieces Amalia and Sarah.
Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432 from 10:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Joan’s name may be given to the Institute of the Blessed Virgin (PO Box 508 Wheaton, IL 60187-0508), or Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45420).
