Joan Willems

Joan Barbara Willems passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 20, 2026. Joan was the loving wife of the late William E; beloved mother of William S. (Debbie) Willems, Robert S. (Marisa) Willems, the late Susan M. Willems, Sharon A. Tully ((the late Gregory Tully), and Robert Renk), and Jennifer L. (Rick) Delapaz; cherished grandma of William C., Matthew F. (Katie), and Nicholas S. (Maddy) Willems, Lauren E. (Jason) Schneider, Victoria A. (Jason) Slaughter, Robert T. (Krista) Willems, Vanessa Daly, S. Jessi Tully (Dan Bernero), Courtney A. Tully, Evan R., Olivia J., Gabriella M., and Alexander W. Delapaz; great grandma to Sophia, Giuliana, Harrison, Amelia, Laine, Finnegan, Logan, and Elsie; dear daughter of the late Paul and Mary Busch; beloved sister of the late Nancy (Stanley) Zagozdon, the late George (Renata) Busch; fond sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend of many.

Joan was born and raised in Chicago attending St. Bonaventure Church and Elementary School and Immaculata High School. She married her husband William in 1954 and moved to Schiller Park in 1958 where she remained for 68 years raising her 5 children. During this time Joan became an active member in the St. Beatrice Church and School community where her children attended school. Joan returned to the work place in 1985 working in customer service for House of Brides. Not afraid of a challenge Joan transitioned to internet sales in her 70’s, including working with the developer on the original site design, where she continued through her retirement 10 years ago. She remained active in retirement reconnecting with old classmates. Joan received great joy throughout her life from time spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, extended family and friends where she was loved by all. Joans interests in her retirement included a love of old western movies, puzzle building and researching her Maternal grandparent’s immigration from Luxembourg in the late 1800’s. In 2019 she travelled there with her two daughters gaining dual citizenship in the United States and Luxembourg.

Joan remained a strong, compassionate presence in her family throughout her life especially after the loss of her daughter, husband and son in law for which her family is eternally grateful.

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 am at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W Lawrence Ave., Norridge, Il. Funeral Service will proceed to Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish, 4157 Atlantic Ave. Schiller Park, Il. for a mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery. For more information call (708)456-8300.