Birth date: Jan 11, 1936 Death date: Nov 29, 2022
Joan Jean Hedgcock, 86, of Decatur, IL passed away November 29, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL. Joan was born January 11, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Virgil and Opal (Tipps) Dearduff. She married Rober Read Obituary
Dear Joan,
I cannot believe you have left this Earth. You have left many heartbroken. I will miss your love and loyalty for family and the passionate spirit you exuded with the things you loved. I witnessed it with singing Barbershop, genealogy, having your family together for Christmas, making things with your hands such as costumes for the kids and grandkids, reupholstering a boat, and down pillows (just to name a few). In my early days with the family, you had a passion for your students. I remember how you ended your school year by laying out many seemingly unwanted items across several tables and gave them time to create whatever they wanted. I am sure you fostered a love of learning! That is smart recycling!
Thank you for your welcoming home and spoiling the grands as well as adults with homemade food and sweets, all the candy at hand’s reach that we could eat, and gifts galore! You embodied Santa and his elves at Christmas.
You were a forever caregiver. Bringing up your kids, teaching your students, assisting bringing up a grandchild (Matti), watching out for your mom and caring for her in her last days. You invited your brothers for every holiday as well. And then there is Bob. You knew what he liked to eat and ensured we knew too. Up until the end, you had his breakfast place ready for when he got up. Small juice glass, bowl and spoon set just so for him to start his day like he enjoyed it.
You have left a hole in our hearts but may we heal by recalling the sweet memories and the assurance that you are resting in peace.
With love,
Your daughter-in-law Bonnie
Such a sweet lady was honored to sing with her
We are praying for the family during this challenging time.
The ODonnell Family
I know some of the music of your life is gone. Joan was a special person, loved by all who went through Parsons and who shared her love of singing. I was fortunate to know her in both situations.
Love to you, Janice.
I won’t be able to attend the funeral, but I will be singing.
So heartbroken to hear of Joan's passing. I had just thought on Wednesday that I should send her a card. I received such a nice letter from Joan last year and I know how much both she and Bob were struggling. She was a real asset to the Sound Celebration Chorus and we are all going to miss her so much. My sympathy to all of you as you navigate the difficult days ahead. Brenda Joyce
Oh, Bob, Janice, Jim, Jeff, and Jim, and the rest of your family, I just saw this! I'm sooo sorry. We all loved your mom. She was such fun and was so good at trying to keep our families in contact! What great times we had at our reunions! I always wished we had resumed having them after your grandma passed, but it was never the same without your funny grandma Opal! I deeply regret that we will have to pass on attending your mom's services. Denzil and I have Covid and are on our 13th day of quarantine. We don't want to take the chance of passing it to anyone, and I know mom (who is now 101) would want to attend, too. Our sympathy to all of you and please know that all of you will be in my prayers. We love you all. Carol
