Joan Wagner passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on January 10, 2024 at the age of 82. Joan was born and raised in Chicago. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John, and their three children, Jean, Joseph, and Linda.
Joan was born on June 15, 1942, to parents William and Mary Williams. She grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago and attended Hyde Park High School. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
After graduating from college, Joan returned to Chicago and began her teaching career at a local elementary school. She quickly discovered her passion for teaching and spent the next 40 years of her life dedicated to her students and the Chicago Public Schools system.
During her time as a teacher, Joan was an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Education Association. She served on several committees and was a strong advocate for her fellow teachers and their students. Joan retired from teaching in 2002.
Joan met her husband, John, at a church picnic in 1961. They were married a year later and had three children together. Joan was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She always put her family first and was always there for them.
Joan was a great cook and loved to entertain guests in her home. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time in her garden. Joan was a kind and compassionate person who always put others before herself. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
In addition to her dedication to her family and her students, Joan was also an active member of her community. She volunteered at her local church and was a member of several charitable organizations. She was also a strong supporter of the arts and was a regular attendee at local concerts, plays, and exhibitions.
Joan’s legacy of service will continue through the Joan Wagner Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund was established by her family to provide scholarships to deserving students who are pursuing a career in education.
A memorial service for Joan will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Hyde Park Union Church. A reception will follow the service.
Joan’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Joan Wagner Memorial Scholarship Fund.
