Joan (nee Leichtfuss) Abernethy, 87, died Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 in Hinsdale, IL in the presence of loving family and beloved Reverend Kate Spelman of All Saints Episcopal Church of Western Springs. She was born January 25th, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, to parents Margaret (nee O’Neill) Leichtfuss and Dr. Irvin W. Leichtfuss of Milwaukee, WI. She was married in 1954 to James I. Abernethy until his death in 2009.

 

She graduated from Wauwautosa High School in 1948 and Northwestern University, Evanston, IL in 1952. While there, she was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar and proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She taught school in Antigo, WI after graduation from college where she had met James. They moved to Crystal Lake in 1957 where they raised five children. She was a career news editor of the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake, IL, earning a 25-year service pin in the late 90’s and retired in 2000, then moved to Western Springs. There she became an active and beloved member of All Saints Episcopal Church of Western Springs and became well known among family and friends in the area. Joan was a wonderful correspondent, avid reader, and formidable bridge player, also a sports buff who closely followed Northwestern teams, the Cubs, and the Bears, season after season.

 

While Joan had many accomplishments, she was most proud to be the mother of her five children and their spouses, Jill (Courtney) Thompson of Miami, FL; John (Maura) Abernethy of Western Springs; Joel Abernethy of Lakewood, CO; Julie Ernst of Aspen, CO; and Jed (Jane) Abernethy of Arlington Heights, IL.  Joan championed her ten grandchildren’s every accomplishment.  They are Brian Daley; Kara (Geoff) Schuler; Jack and Meg Abernethy; Cory (Candice) Abernethy; Kelly, Cody, and Jackson Ernst; Conor and Shea Abernethy; and one great-granddaughter, Jade.  She was the loving, surviving sister of the late David E. (Patti) Leichtfuss and the late Dr. Irvin (Susan) W. Leichtfuss Jr.  Joan will be sadly missed by all.

 

Visitation is 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018 until time of Funeral Service 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4370 Woodland Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558. Interment All Saints Episcopal Church. Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church.

 

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home: (708) 352-6500