Joan Fritsch Illg

Joan Carolyn Fritsch Illg passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by her daughters, at the age of 85. A longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish until Hurricane Katrina, Joan later resided in Mandeville.

She was born in New Orleans on July 19, 1940, to the late Louis John Fritsch, Sr. and Mary Lee Landry Fritsch. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Jack Raymond Illg; her daughter, Melissa Lynn; her son-in-law, Andrew Joseph Englande III (Andy); and her siblings Mary Lou Fritsch Blanchard, Lois Fritsch Stogner, Louis “Buzzy” John Fritsch, Jr., and Patricia Fritsch Rossignol.

Joan was a graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School and went on to work as a bookkeeper and office manager. She is survived by her loving daughters, Lori Illg Englande and Kristi Lynn Illg; her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Joseph Englande IV (Drew) and Alex Raymond Englande; her brother Richard Fritsch and sister-in-law Mary Lynne; and her niece, Patricia (Patty) Abadie.

Joan faced many medical challenges throughout her life with remarkable resilience and courage. Her deep Catholic faith sustained her; when she could no longer attend Mass in person, she listened faithfully and observed daily Holy Hour. Joan had a kind and generous heart and always put her family first. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and her grand dog, Kleo. She delighted in writing poems for their birthdays and making sure they always had money for snacks.

Joan enjoyed listening to LSU and Tulane games, as well as cheering on the Saints and the Pelicans. One of her favorite pastimes was catching up with her dear friends Gayle Kirk and Aida Betancourt.

The family would like to thank nurse Angela of Hospice Specialists of Louisiana for the care she received.

Funeral Services for Joan will be held privately. Words of comfort and condolences can be left for the Illg family at www.gracenorthshore.com.