Joann Shumway

Joann Shumway, age 81, of Orland Park, IL went to be with the Lord on November 4, 2024. She was born to Walter and Isabelle (nee Warren) Shumway and was one of five daughters. She is survived by her sister Terry (Rick) Pagano, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and countless dear friends.

She was born in Chicago where she was raised and lived in both Oak Park and Downers Grove for many years.

In the 1960s Joann graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and went on to work for many years at Kelco/Merck & Co, Inc. She retired and continued working part time at Hinsdale Hospital.

After retirement, Joann spent much of her time walking at the Morton Arboretum and Graue Mill. She also enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, volunteering at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, and of course, making cherished friends at each place she frequented.

Joann loved all animals, but especially her faithful companions, Lucky, Ribbons and Allie, who were each beloved by her.

She truly loved nature and enjoyed traveling. Passionate about experiencing the outdoors, she traveled often throughout her life, visiting most of the National Parks and even went to Costa Rica for her 70th birthday.

Joann embodied the best qualities: true kindness, forgiveness, unending generosity, empathy, and gratitude. These qualities were evident in the love she showed to her many friends and family, as well as the people she encountered day to day.

It was Joann’s wish that there be no formal services and that her body be donated to science, which her family is honoring. If you would like to do something in her honor, please consider spending time in nature or visiting the Arboretum in her memory. Her family will be donating a tribute brick in memory of Joann which will be placed in the Tribute Walkway at the Morton Arboretum in the spring.

Her family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Evergreen Senior Living (Orland Park, IL) and Three Oaks Hospice (Tinley Park, IL) for their loving care and compassion.