Joan Scanlon

Joan Scanlon, age 86 of Herscher, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Nov. 19, 1929 in Kankakee, IL to Thomas P. and Marie L. Onken Cleary. She married James L. Scanlon on April 19, 1952 at St. Patrick Church in Kankakee who precedes her in death on March 4, 2010. Joan is survived by one daughter, Marcia Scanlon of Herscher; her five sons and daughters-in-law; James J. and Linda Scanlon of Limestone; John and Nancy Scanlon of Herscher; Michael and Sheryl Scanlon of Limestone; Steve and Deb Scanlon of Herscher; Tom and Dawn Scanlon of Limestone: 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Judy Cleary of Bonita Springs, FL and sister-in-law Doreen Frerichs, of Herscher. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, Dan Scanlon; three sisters, Veronica O’Connor, Bernice Moody, Rita Legris; sister-in-law, Naomi Koors and special friend, Ed Maley. Visitation will be from 3 – 8 PM on Friday, March 4 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. There will be also visitation at St. James Church in Irwin on Saturday from 9 AM until the time of the funeral mass at 10 AM, where Rev. Douglas Hauber will preside. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery in Irwin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for family wishes. Joan was a registered nurse. She was a surgical nurse with Dr. Nehf. She also had worked at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital and was a private duty nurse. She was a graduate of St. Patrick High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Joan served at Herscher School District 2 with the Board of Education. She received a standing ovation for all her accomplishments on the board. She was a CCW woman of the year in 1975 at St. James Church, serving as president for two years and recently was recognized as Mother of the Year. She taught CCD; was president of PTA at Herscher Grade School. She adored and loved her husband and family and friends. She enjoyed big band music and dancing. She loved raising her children and enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always a big part of their lives and considered the very heart of the home. She loved a good time, laughter, and life itself. She loved her home and family intensely. She had many close friends and family whom she enjoyed and loved. She loved her Catholic faith and always radiated her strong faith and values. She was a woman of intense love, generosity, compassion, joy, and her energetic spirit was always there to help anyone in need. Everyone loved to be around her and always felt welcomed. She loved deeply . . .

Joan Scanlon

November 19, 1929 - March 1, 2016