Joan Mary Reed

Born in Kingston-upon-Hull, England, she was the daughter of Benjamin and Winifred Randerson. Joan is pre-deceased by her husband, Gerry Reed. She is survived by her loving children: Carolin (Bill) of Orleans, MA; JoAnne (Robert) of San Diego, CA; and Christopher (Laura) of Waunakee, WI, as well as four beautiful grandchildren: Sarah, Sophie, Emma and Keira.

Joan attended secretarial school in London and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1955 where she married Gerry the following year. As their family grew, Joan and Gerry moved to Houston, TX, and Fort Collins, CO before settling in LaGrange, IL, their home for almost 50 years.

A devoted library volunteer at her children’s school and a Girl Scout leader for many years, she was also a talented tennis player with multiple trophies for local mixed doubles championships. Joan returned to secretarial work in the 1970’s and then retired in 1990 to assist Gerry with his business. They enjoyed many years of travel which took them around the globe and created wonderful memories.

Joan moved to Orleans five years ago and loved her new life by the ocean, marveling at the gardens here that reminded her so much of England. She completed the Cape Cod Times crossword daily, along with the Chicago Tribune Sunday crossword which was mailed weekly by an old friend. Joan was also an avid reader (able to read a book and do almost anything at the same time), well known at Snow Library for her weekly visits there. Most of all, Joan was the nicest person her children and friends have ever known. She was treated wonderfully wherever she went, because she and her British accent were so easy to like. She’ll be forever missed by all of us who knew and loved her.

Services will be held by her family in England next year. In Joan’s memory, please donate to Snow Library in Orleans, or perform a simple act of kindness. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com .