Decatur- Joan “Joanie” Lair, 82, of Decatur rejoined her beloved husband and the Lord on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at St. John’s Hospital.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012in Mt.Gilead Cemetery, Decatur. Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion is assisting the family with services. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Holy Family Parish, 2400 S. Franklin Street, Decatur, IL62521. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Friends of the family are invited to celebrate her life at the family residence following her services.
Joan was born May 3, 1929 in Chicago,IL, and grew up in Taylorville, IL the daughter of Oscar and Marjorie (Dwyer) Halberg. She graduated from Millikin University, was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority house, married John E. Lair in 1952, and was a charter member of Holy Family Parish. After devoting herself to raising a family, she was a well-respected school teacher in the Mt.Zion School District from 1968-1993. She enjoyed traveling, and along with her husband visited all fifty states. In her later years she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her family brought her special happiness which she returned with unconditional love. She was a cherished friend and role model for all who ever had the pleasure to know her, and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and recently her husband John of sixty years.
Surviving are her children: Mary Travis and her husband Charles of Mesa, AZ, John Lair and his wife Cindy of Mt. Zion, IL, James Lair of Manila, Philippines, and Kevin Lair and his wife Laural of Waxshaw, NC; grandchildren: Katy, Lisa, Alex, Max, Sam, Marjorie, and Jack.
The family would like to thank Father Joe Molloy and Sister Janet Pfile of the Holy Family Parish, and the many lifelong friends of Joan for their personal compassion and support over the last several months. For some moments in life there are no words that can truly express feelings: We will all deeply miss you Mom.
