It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joanne Dolores (McGann) Greenwald, who departed peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 94. A lifelong caregiver and devoted parishioner, Joanne spent much of her life in Peoria before relocating to Batavia, Illinois, where she continued to embody compassion, faith, and family devotion. Born on April 8, 1931, to Michael and Magdalene (Werner) McGann, she grew up in central Illinois, shaping a legacy of service and love that touched generations.
Joanne graduated from Academy of Our Lady High School in 1949 and pursued nursing at St. Francis Nursing School in Peoria, earning her RN credentials. She went on to serve as head nurse in the isolation unit at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, caring for polio patients reliant on iron lungs during one of the most challenging eras in medical history.
Her dedication extended beyond her professional career. Joanne volunteered in the hospital’s gift shop and was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Peoria, where she contributed to parish life and the Catholic Women’s League. After moving to Batavia, she continued her faith journey at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva, remaining steadfast in her commitment to community and spirituality.
Family was the heart of Joanne’s world. She cherished her role as mother to Kathleen (Greenwald) Beckmen, mother‑in‑law to Keith Beckmen, and grandmother to Mary Kate Beckmen, all of Geneva, Illinois. She also maintained close ties with nieces, nephews, and extended relatives, offering guidance, affection, and unwavering support that strengthened bonds across distances.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Peoria, preceded by visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum and Cemetery in Peoria, providing family and friends the opportunity to honor her life and faith.
Joanne Dolores (McGann) Greenwald lived a life well lived, marked by exemplary nursing service during the polio era, faithful involvement in parish communities, and profound devotion to her family. Her legacy endures through the compassionate care she gave, the spiritual example she set, and the loving bonds she nurtured across Illinois.
