Joan Deiters

Joan (Hurley) Deiters, aged 94, of Westmont, IL passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday October 25 at her residence in Harvester Place, Burr Ridge. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years Henry J. (Hank) Deiters; they met on a blind date at age 16 and their romance and doting relationship was a joy to watch for all those 69 years as they focused on hospitality, their family, and philanthropy through organizations such as Catholic Charities and St. Ignatius College Prep, including yearly scholarships and the funding/building of the Jesuit institution’s beloved Wolfgate, which Hank dedicated to Joan in honor of their then 50 years of marriage.

Joan is survived by four loving daughters: Sue (Michael) Lyngaas, PJ (Timothy) Fiedler, Carol (Curtis) Aronson, and Kimberly (Kirk) Becker; dear grandmother of Brian (Torrie) Lyngaas, Julie (Brendon) Manwaring, Eric (Kristen), Scott, and Timothy (Kristin) Fiedler, Matthew (Amy) Aronson, Claire (Michael) Jakubison, Kathryn (Timothy) Tomaszewski and Alex and Lauren Becker; fond great-grandmother of thirteen; and preceded in death by her siblings, Jack (Mary Ann) Hurley, and Patricia (Jim) Baker.  

Throughout her life, Joan loved meeting new people and relished spending her early years as a flight attendant for United Airlines until she married, continuing her connection as a proud member of the Clipped Wings® organization. Joan was known for her warmth and grace –– and especially for the countless dinner gatherings she hosted for family and friends ­­–– from the early and long-running “dinner group” years in Evergreen Park, to the many years of lavish family holiday gatherings hosted in Westmont. Over her lifetime Joan played tennis and golf, and loved to swim (no wet hair, though!), with many of those years being spent at their vacation home near Lake Geneva. Joan adored traveling, including many winters spent with Hank in Palm Desert, and counted her four trips to Paris with her four daughters among her favorite memories. Joan also loved shopping, supporting small local shops wherever possible, decorating her warm and welcoming townhome in Westmont to entertain friends and neighbors alike. Joan especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, hosting those from far away whenever they were in town and attending events and being there for those who grew up locally. She counted them all among life’s greatest blessings.

Joan will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her as a smiling and sparkling presence who ignited joy and special memories in any gathering she hosted or attended. Visitation will be held Monday, Oct.30 from 10:00am until time of Mass, 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 124 N. Spring Rd., LaGrange. Private Interment will be held at Bronswood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations  made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Jesuit Academy on Jackson Blvd, or your local food pantry will be greatly appreciated.

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