Joan Marie Hooper

Joan Marie Hooper, a devoted mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on January 5, 1932, in Chicago to Otto and Anna Samp, Joan lived a long and meaningful life marked by service, joy, and unwavering faith.

A lifelong Catholic, Joan was an active parishioner and dedicated member of her church choir.

She attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and then furthered her education at University of St. Francis, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Arts in 1986. She devoted more than 40 years of her life to her calling as a Registered Nurse, caring for countless patients with skill, compassion, and grace. Beyond her professional life, Joan gave generously of her time as a Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA volunteer, and later, during retirement, in her many roles at McHenry Villa, where she worked for 20 years as a receptionist, transportation driver, and home health care aide.

Joan’s love for music was one of her greatest joys. She was a longtime patron of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, attended local music festivals, and filled her home with the sounds of song. She was also an extraordinary cook and baker, delighting her family and friends with meals and treats, and a talented seamstress, knitter, and crafter whose creativity touched many lives.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Joan proudly cheered on her team for more than 80 years, celebrating both heartbreaks and triumphs with persistent loyalty. She was a strong and independent woman who embraced life fully, radiating warmth and joy to everyone she met.

Joan leaves a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and respect for everyone. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her family, friends, and all whose lives she influenced.

Joan will be deeply missed by her loving children, John (Laura) Hooper, Ellen (James Kevin) Hooper Crosby, Anne (Timothy) Hooper Beard, Paul Hooper, Matthew Hooper; grandchildren: Jeremy Hooper, Jeffrey (Heather) Hooper, Corinne (Adam) Hooper Martin, Chelsea Hooper; Dylan Gordon; Kyle Gordon; Seth (Elise) Beard, Elena Beard; Claire Beard; Shane Beard; Evan (Priya) Hooper, Emily (Matthew) Hooper Spurgeon, Erin (Garrett) Hooper Sutton, Dominic Hooper; Morgan Hooper; great-grandchildren, Emerson Joan Martin, Evelyn Gibson, Nathan Gibson, Madison Spurgeon, Carson Spurgeon, Cameron Spurgeon, Briggs Sutton, Bowen Sutton; her niece, Laura Samp Scott.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her newborn son, John Otto; her brother, Richard and grandson, Jeremy.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 4 PM until 7 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Visitation will resume on Friday at the funeral home from 9 AM until the time of prayers at 9:30 AM. Procession to immediately follow to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, for 10 AM mass. Burial to follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary. 

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Joan's name.