Joan Marie Brown

Joan Marie Brown (née Burkart), age 89, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, in Loves Park, Illinois. Born on May 31, 1935, in Elgin, Illinois, Joan lived a life marked by unwavering faith, intellectual passion, and deep devotion to her family and community.

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Joan graduated from Illinois State University in 1957 with a degree in teaching. She later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. Her career as an English teacher at Dundee Crown High School left an indelible mark on generations of students. Known for her rigorous instruction and love of literature, she taught her students to analyze texts at the deepest levels. Her annotated teacher copies of classics such as *The Scarlet Letter*, *The Red Badge of Courage*, and *To Kill a Mockingbird* remain treasures of scholarship. In recognition of her excellence in education, Joan was honored with the Kane County Teacher of the Year Award before her retirement.

Joan’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. She was the pillar of her family—steadfast in love and strength. Though she endured the profound loss of her beloved husband John Raymond “Jack” Brown at a young age, she kept his memory alive with grace and devotion for their children and grandchildren. Their bond remained a guiding light throughout her life.

She is survived by her son Lawrence Brown (Nancie) and daughter Katherine Brown Parks; grandchildren John R. Brown II (Kelsey), Colleen M. Brown (Rob Lancaster), Katherine R. Pardee (Drew), Elizabeth Remrey (Tyson), Carol M. Parks, Jerry Parks (Jazell), Victoria Joan Kurtz (Tyler), Brian Parks (Genevieve Ornelas), Rachael Homerding (Nick), Jeremy Brown, Tyler Brown, and Kaitlyn Brown; great-grandchildren Sarah, Lily, Ilya, Elly Remrey, Jack Pardee, Rain Parks, Jeremiah Brown, Layla Brown, Alma and Francis Brown; brothers Eugene Burkart (Kay) and Gordon Burkart (Janet); as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack; sons Daniel J. Brown and Thomas J. Brown; parents John and Katherine (née Kiefer) Burkart; sisters Joyce Thornton and Jeanette Rowe; and brothers-in-law Richard Thornton and Johnny Rowe.

Above all else, Joan was a woman of profound faith. Her life was rooted in obedience to Jesus Christ and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit. She served others selflessly and was committed to the study of scriptures. She had a rich and constant prayer life. She brought light and kindness to any room she entered. She was warm and funny—truly lovely. Her authenticity drew many to the sacred Heart of Jesus.

Psalm 40:1-2 held special meaning for Joan during the final chapter of her earthly journey.

Joan Marie Brown leaves behind a legacy rich in love, learning, faithfulness, and grace—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. A funeral mass will be held on May 16, 2025, at 10:30am, St Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL. A visitation will be the hour prior to the funeral.