Joan Arlene Williams, nee Schwappach, age 67, of Orland Park, formerly of Blue Island, passed away Friday morning October 27, 2000 at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, IL, after a courageous battle with diabetes. Joan was born on July 23, 1933 in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of the late Arthur E. and Cecelia Schwappach, nee Jacob; she was the loving wife of Ronald K. Williams and the dearest mother of Bruce A. (Debbie) Williams; loving grandmother of Ryan, Kevin and Sean; fond sister of Betty (Albert) Rule, John (Stephanie) Schwappach and the late Cecelia “Tootie” (the late Albert) Schrik; loving aunt to 10 wonderful nieces and nephews. Joan attended Parker High School in Chicago where she played in the concert band with her future husband Ron Williams. They were married on April 4, 1953. Joan was employed at the Metropolitan Insurance Co. and later the Prudential Insurance Co. as a Bookkeeper. On January 5, 1961, Ron and Joan adopted a baby boy, Bruce, and Joan became a full time mom. Over the years Ron and Joan were active in the choir at Christ Memorial Church in Blue Island and enjoyed many great memories there. Ron and Joan also loved to travel and took many cruises with good friends and family. Their last trip in May was Joan’s life long dream to make an Amtrack train trip to California. A memorial service will be held on Sunday October 29, 2000 at the Christ Memorial United Church of Christ, 2440 York Street, Blue Island at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Donations to the Diabetes or the Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated 708-389-7710.
