ForeverMissed
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Mom during a walk with Cindy on Oval Beach, Saugatuck, MI. (ca. 2009)

Dear Friends and Family, 

It is with sadness, and relief at the arrival of peace, that we share with you the loss of our beloved mother Joanne.  

She died quietly in her sleep during the early morning hours of Monday, July 24, at Atria Park in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where she had resided since 2014.

In the days just before she passed, she was accompanied and visited by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - ten in all - and attended to by caring staff and well-wishers. 

As you may know, Mom began her departure journey some years ago as one of more than five million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer’s dementia. She continually blessed everyone in the face of the disease’s challenges, as she steadfastly maintained her generosity of spirit, humility and good-natured sense of humor - even through the wearying last months and hours.

Given a difficult closing role, she made the most beautiful and graceful exit we could have hoped for her.

We are deeply grateful for her life and legacy, for the blessings experienced, and to all of you - for your support throughout Mom’s passage.

Cindy and Scott Stearns

________________________________

A memorial service will be held on
Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Location:
The First Presbyterian Church
715 N. Carlton Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
(Directions)

* * *
Memorial contributions (in lieu of flowers) may be made to

Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance
or
Alzheimer's Association - Illinois Chapter

or a charitable cause of your choosing.




Tributes

Leave a tribute
Scott Stearns
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
August 3, 2017

Dear Cindy and Family--Having your mother as my neighbor and friend for the past 21 years has been such an honor. Her smile, warm heart, and her gift of making people feel loved will be greatly missed, but I carry these gifts from her close to my heart. What a beautiful lady. My prayers are with you as she is now in God's arms and at peace.

Barbara Grass, Winfield, IL
Joan Cahill Hamer
August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
Cindy, You were the most devoted and sweet daughter a mother could ever have. Sympathies to you and your family.
Shirley Mckee
August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
I truly enjoyed caring for your mother! A very, very sweet lady. When I think of her, there was an incident that always brings a smile. One day her exercise class at Wyndermere, let out a little early and I had no idea where she had gone. Jody always loved her sweets. Evidently, she had found her way into the dining room where they were having a party for all the people who had sung for the Christmas program. She had a little plate filled with assorted cookies. I explained the situation to the people there and they were happy that Jody was enjoying herself. I did have to stop her though, from having a second helping.  However, I'm sure there is a pastry shop in heaven just waiting for Jody's arrival.
I hope the fond memories of your mother comfort you always, Shirley
Sandy Hasara
August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
I will always remember Joanne in her cozy, dimly lit little kitchen
with WGN radio playing softly in the background. She would be busily
preparing a meal or always making sure Cindy I got something to eat
or a snack after school. She was a strong, quiet, sweet, and loving soul that I remember finding great comfort in just being around her as I myself had just lost my own mom a year before I met Cindy. She always made you feel welcome and loved. She was a truly remarkable mom for giving of herself and sharing her heart with us. So grateful I had the chance to know her and witness her elegance. She was a treasure and will most assuredly be missed.

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Recent Tributes
Scott Stearns
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
August 3, 2017

Dear Cindy and Family--Having your mother as my neighbor and friend for the past 21 years has been such an honor. Her smile, warm heart, and her gift of making people feel loved will be greatly missed, but I carry these gifts from her close to my heart. What a beautiful lady. My prayers are with you as she is now in God's arms and at peace.

Barbara Grass, Winfield, IL
Joan Cahill Hamer
August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
Cindy, You were the most devoted and sweet daughter a mother could ever have. Sympathies to you and your family.
Shirley Mckee
August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
I truly enjoyed caring for your mother! A very, very sweet lady. When I think of her, there was an incident that always brings a smile. One day her exercise class at Wyndermere, let out a little early and I had no idea where she had gone. Jody always loved her sweets. Evidently, she had found her way into the dining room where they were having a party for all the people who had sung for the Christmas program. She had a little plate filled with assorted cookies. I explained the situation to the people there and they were happy that Jody was enjoying herself. I did have to stop her though, from having a second helping.  However, I'm sure there is a pastry shop in heaven just waiting for Jody's arrival.
I hope the fond memories of your mother comfort you always, Shirley
View all 4 tributes
Gallery
With Cindy and Chris Enerson at Arboretum 2000
Dan and Chris Seiler (Nephew and Niece), Joanne and Cindy. Saugatuck, 2004
Halloween 1983 with Steve and David
Halloween 1989 - Steve, David, Kristy, Grandma
With Joseph Enerson Collge Graduation 1948
Mom and Nancy Strader ca. 1938
Mom and Virginia Verberg 1966
With dog Major ca. 1930
Susan, Scott, George, Cindy, Joanne. Champaign, IL 1960
View all 16 items
Recent stories

Interesting and active

August 22, 2017
by David Shilling

As a kid, "Grandma Stearns" was always quite interesting. She put in time to get to know me. I cherished sleeping at her condo, just the two of us, playing monopoly. Old clocks tick-tocked, interesting trinkets and coasters, things made by Grandpa, an aloe plant in the kitchen used to soothe grandchildren's wounds. As an adult, I remember her every time I go to Ikea. The scandinavian style and especially food are so reminiscent of her. Cookies and fondue for sure.

We were always active with her. Playing on the patio, walking to the condo pond, going to the seawall, walking the trails, going to the beach or downtown Saugatuck. I can't even remember a TV in her houses.

Great times Grandma! We will see you in heaven!

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