Joann Morris Beach

Joann Morris Beach, 77, of Springfield, MO, died at The Arbors on March 14, 2009 after courageously battling a long illness. Joann lived in Geneva and Rockford, Illinois for over 30 years before moving to Boca Raton, Florida.  Four years ago, Joann moved to Springfield to be closer to her family. Born April 14, 1931 in Keokuk, Iowa, Joann was the daughter of Joseph and Grace (Cox)  Morris. Joann married James Dallas Beach on December 29, 1952.  Her parents; stepmother, Dorothy Morris; and her loving husband Jim; preceded her in death. Joann is survived by her daughter Melissa Haddow and husband Alastair of Springfield, MO; her sons, Stephen Beach and wife Jennifer of Beverly Hills, Michigan and Timothy Beach of Charlotte, North Carolina; her brother Joseph Morris the III of Wiggins, Mississippi; grandchildren Andrew Haddow, Catherine York and her husband Tyler, Lauren Shehan and her husband Patrick, Jimmy Beach and Haley Beach; her nephew Joseph Morris the IV, niece Michael Warden, and special friend and caregiver, Agnes Grey. Joann attended Loretto Heights and Webster College before marrying Jim and moving to Reno, Nevada, where Jim was stationed in the Air Force. Prior to her illness, Joann loved to cook and entertain, played a great game of bridge, and enjoyed traveling.  Joann spent many years as a volunteer with the Auxiliary at Rockford Memorial Hospital, where her warm smile and positive attitude made such a difference to so many. She never met a stranger, and her kindness knew no bounds.  Joanns greatest joy was spending time with her friends, children and grandchildren, and all who knew her will forever remember her as one of the genuinely sweetest persons they had ever met.  Her gentle presence will be sorely missed. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 21 at 10 am in Holy Family Catholic Church, Rockford, Illinois.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 20 from 4-6pm in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford Illinois and also from 9-10am Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to your local Alzheimers Association or to Community Partnership, 330. N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO. 65806.  To