Joan C. Short

It is with a feeling of deep loss that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Joan C. Short, on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. Born on September 29, 1929 in Warren, Ohio to James and Katharine Chamberlin, she was a former resident of Brookfield, WI, Rochester, MI, Venice, FL and Lincolnshire, IL, where she lived for the last 8 years. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Francis James (Jim) Short), by an infant daughter Mary Frances, and by her eldest brother Jim Chamberlin. She is survived by five children, Michael (Lynn) Short of Ft. Collins, CO, Cathryn (Michael) Verzal of Huntley, IL, Maggie (Matt) Gonring of Libertyville, Thomas (Philippa) Short of San Rafael, CA and Robert (Diane) Short of Libertyville; 14 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, two sisters, Kay Ackerman and Nancy Hoffman, and her brother Kedric (Maura) Chamberlin. Joan was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all in the truest sense of the word. She will be remembered first and foremost for her love and dedication to her family, who sometimes referred to her as 'St. Joan' in reference to her admirable patience during challenging times. In her younger days as a wife and mother, and later as our matriarch, she coached, she listened without judgement, she celebrated our triumphs, she consoled us in our sorrows, she was a source of support and optimism, she was a presence who could light up a room, she connected with people from all walks of life. She is also remembered for enjoying a good laugh, for her ability to find humor in everyday situations, and for her classic, elegant sense of style and fashion. She loved to travel and was always ready for an adventure, whether a simple dinner with family, an exotic cruise through the Alaskan wilderness or trekking across the country in an RV. She was a lover of learning and never stopped taking classes on history, sharpening her bridge skills and reading tomes about the presidents and other world leaders. We were blessed to have her in our lives, readily sharing her wisdom, optimism and grace. She was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave. Libertyville. For Info: 847-362-3009 or please share a memory at www.burnettdane.com. The family asks that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, a not for profit organization dedicated to ending childhood cancer. PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or stjude.org

Joan C. Short

September 29, 1929 - September 18, 2018