Joan Ella John, age 62, of Cary, IL, passed away on April 29, 2026. She was born May 18, 1963 in Marion, IL to her loving parents, John and Leona (née Throgmorton) Wallace.

In 1979, Joan met the love of her life, Christopher, while working at Graftek Press. Their connection grew into a lasting partnership, and they were married in 1983. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. A year after their marriage, they welcomed twin sons, Chris and Matt, and six years later, their son Tommy completed their family. While she spent seven years working as a bus attendant for TJA Districts 47 and 155, Joan’s greatest joy and proudest role was caring for her home and family.

Joan will be remembered for loving freely, her unwavering loyalty, and her forgiving heart. She carried a rare, gentle kindness without judgment and had a remarkable gift for turning life’s simplest moments into its greatest joys. Her laughter filled every room, and she was a wonderful listener who made others feel heard and understood. Joan brought comfort, light, and joy to everyone around her, always there when she was needed, offering steady support and unconditional love.

Joan had a special way with children—especially her grandchildren—who naturally gravitated to her warmth, playfulness, and gentle spirit. A devoted mother and grandmother, she never missed a recital, concert, birthday, sporting event, or any moment worth celebrating, always showing up with pride, love, and encouragement. Joan found her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren and treasured every moment shared with them.

She also took great pride in her work as a bus attendant, carrying out the role with love, patience, compassion, and genuine care for every child she met. She enjoyed attending Matt’s music shows and Tommy’s bodybuilding competitions, spending afternoons at craft fairs, walking her beloved dogs, Kya and Ella, and visiting with friends and family.

Joan will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion, and the steady love she gave so freely to those around her. Her legacy lives on in her children and in the many lives she touched through her kindness and care.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Anthony John; father, John Thomas Wallace; nephew, Jonathan Scott Thetford; and grandparents, William Pink Throgmorton and Rudell Throgmorton. She is survived by her sons, Christopher Anthony (Kayley) John, Matthew Raymond (Jaclyn) John, and Thomas Lee (Amanda) John; mother, Leona Thetford; siblings, Johnny Matt (Julie) Wallace and Lorna Lea Wallace; grandchildren, Charlotte Elizabeth John, Michael Raymond John, Sullivan Christopher John, Caroline Grace John, and Landon Rainey John; sister-in-law, Ann John; uncle, Edward Lee Throgmorton; cousin, Barry Jean Brown; and nieces and nephews, Jillian Lea Wallace, Jenna Ann Wallace, John Thomas Wallace, Nevaeh J-Lea Thetford, Tyler Lee Thetford, and Gage Daniel Thetford.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, with service at 6:00pm, Monday, May 4, 2026, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. Jess Trayser will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.