Joan M. Karras, nee Hammond, beloved wife of Angelo; loving mother of Maureen (Dr. Robert) Nelson, Angela (Roger) McAlister and Claudia (Bryan) Moorehouse; cherished grandmother to Jenny, Grant, Jessica, Matthew, Joseph and dearly departed Grace. Fierce in her love for family and friends. A voracious reader, master bridge player and winner of golf club championships earlier in life. Her very good friend described her as an original, and she was. Visitation Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Funeral Thursday 9:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Transfiguration of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Chapel at Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 N. Thatcher Rd., River Grove for 11 a.m. service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “Gus Foundation” 833 W. Wrightwood, Chicago, IL 60614 appreciated. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. 847-359-8020.
