JoAnn J. Flaherty

JoAnn J. Flaherty, 57, of Springfield, died at 6:42 a.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at her home. JoAnn was born August 18, 1955 in Chicago, the daughter of John and Audrey Prange Swanson. She married Kurt Flaherty on January 8, 1977 in Orland Park. JoAnn graduated from Tinley Park High School and received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Illinois. She worked for Sangamon Area Special Education District for 25 years as a school social worker. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield and was most proud of her children and how well they turned out. JoAnn loved traveling, spending time with her husband and children, gardening, and she was an avid reader. She is survived by her parents, John and Audrey Swanson of Tinley Park; her husband, Kurt Flaherty of Springfield; children, Melanie (husband, Matt) Beinlich of Chicago and Matt Flaherty of Springfield; siblings, Barbara (husband, David) Anderson of Orland Park and William (wife, Patti) Swanson of South Lyon, MI; numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington, Springfield. An additional visitation will be held from 9:00-9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield, with Rev. Greg Busboom and Rev. Ladd Sonnenberg co-officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Central Illinois Food Bank, 2000 E. Moffat St., Springfield, IL 62703 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.