Obituary of Joan H. Egan
Joan H. Egan
(nee Boucher)
Joan H. Egan entered into heaven on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Willow Falls Assisted Living. Joan was born on November 30, 1929, the daughter of the late Joseph V. and Helen (nee Wetherbee) Boucher.
Born and raised in Joliet, Joan attended St. Patrick’s Grade School, St. Francis Academy, and the College of St. Francis, where she developed a lifelong love of learning. She began her career in education with the Joliet Public Schools, eventually moving to Troy District 30C, where she became a unit leader and taught elementary education until her retirement. She also dedicated time to teaching CCD at Holy Family Catholic Church, sharing her faith with the next generation. Joan was a proud member of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the National Education Association (NEA).
Joan found great joy in her friendships and hobbies. She was a proud member of the FFE (Friends ForeEver), a group of classmates who met monthly after graduation, cherishing their time together and sharing adventures – including a memorable trip to Cuba during the early days of the Cuban Revolution. Like her parents, she loved playing cards and was active in several bridge groups. She also enjoyed traveling and was active in the Paulites at St. Paul the Apostle Church and the Senior Group at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus.
Above all, Joan’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was endlessly proud of her son, Dr. Brian Egan, not only for his accomplishments as a physician, but for the person he became. She considered herself blessed to have a daughter-in-law, Diane, always ready to lend a helping hand. Her grandsons, Kevin and Colin Egan, brought her immense happiness. She beamed with pride when Kevin earned a National Championship with the Marquette University Men’s Volleyball Team and knew that Colin would serve others in the U.S. Coast Guard. Her heart was full with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Eloise, James and Emilia, who brought new joy to her later years.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Bernard J. Egan, and her parents, Helen and Joseph V. Boucher.
Joan is survived by her son, Brian (Diane) Egan, D.O. of Joliet; two grandsons, Kevin (Jessica) of Naperville and Colin (Heather) of Traverse City, MI; and great-grandchildren, Eloise, James and Emilia Egan.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and gratitude, always giving thanks for the many blessings in her life. Joan’s kind heart and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. She often reflected, “God gave me many years of good friends all through my life. I was so lucky. Only the best parents, the best classmates, the best people to work with, the best neighbors, and the best family.”
Joan’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her wonderful neighbors – Perri and Jim, Dick and Sally, Jeff and Annette, and Pete – for their friendship, kindness and unwavering support, especially during Bernie’s illness. They would also like to thank her loving caregiver, Leah Ferenchik, the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center, and the staff at Willow Falls and Lightways Hospice, for their compassionate care of Joan.
Visitation for Joan H. Egan will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, 60431, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will follow Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.
As Joan’s father always told her, “Don’t just do for yourself. Now is the time to help those in the future.” In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joan’s name may be made to Joliet Catholic Academy, University of St. Francis, Holy Family School, Lightways Hospice, or to a school of your choice.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
