Joan Marie Phillips

Joan Marie Phillips (nee Palakis), aged 94, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, in Lincolnton, NC. Born on October 12, 1931, in Chicago, IL, Joan was a woman of independence, practicality, and adventure, cherished for her strong, caring, and loving nature.

Joan completed her initial nursing training at Wesley University (Northwestern Hospital) in Chicago and began her career as a carrier nurse on the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 1950s. Her marriage to James A. Phillips in 1958 marked the end of her time on the trains due to the era's restrictions on married women working in such roles. She continued her nursing career in hospitals and doctors' offices, later enhancing her qualifications with a Bachelor of Science in Health Arts from College of St. Francis in 1983. Joan's professional journey included Director of Nurses at Sheltering Oak in Island Lake, IL and Joan eventually retired from Family Services in McHenry, IL.

Outside of her professional life, Joan was a woman of many interests. From childhood, she played the accordion and later the organ. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed most of her children’s clothes during their formative years. Joan was also an avid gardener and traveler, camping throughout the United States and exploring destinations such as Australia, China, Egypt, Europe, Peru, Russia, and Thailand. Joan was also a skilled investor, dedicating time to understand market trends long before the digital age simplified such tasks. During retirement, Joan spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren, participating in continuing education programs at the community college, reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Joan’s family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Bryanna Wilczynski (Paul), son, Gregory Phillips (Jamie), daughter, April Runge (Chris), and grandchildren, Mallory Wilczynski, Karisa McIntyre (Cason), Nevin Runge, and Aiden Runge. She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Phillips, and grandsons, Logan and Galen Wilczynski.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Monday July 13, 2026 at the United Methodist Church located at 500 1st St in Cary, Illinois. Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a service commencing at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cary United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.