Joan (Kennedy) Miller

Joan Miller (née Kennedy), age 92, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 19, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Joan was born on November 13, 1930 in Chicago, the first of five children born to Edward and Marion Mitchell Kennedy. She grew up across the street from St. Rita Church and School in a yellow brick bungalow. She was an Irish beauty who caught the eye of the handsome Jim Miller, and their love affair lasted over 65 years. Married 62 years, the South Siders moved to the northside and eventually to Barrington in 1971.They lovingly raised five children. They had a wonderful life together, traveling to interesting places, often on Lady Joan, their 39-foot catamaran with Jim as Skipper and Joan as steward and companion. Joan graciously welcomed each new in-law to the family, and each grandchild and great-grandchild held a special place in her heart. Jim and Joan enjoyed many winters at Ocean Reef Club, in Key Largo, Florida, welcoming their children and grandchildren to enjoy their hospitality. Both Jim and Joan were devout Catholics, outwardly living their faith and sharing it with their family. Joan was a parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church all these many years. She was kind, generous, loving, and funny. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her devoted children, Joanell (James) McKenna, James (Mary) Miller, Nancy (James) Daluga, Christopher (Kathleen) Miller, and Stephen (Kerry) Miller; cherished grandchildren, James (Dana) Daluga, Molly Rose Daluga, Mimi Daluga, Matthew (Elizabeth) McKenna, Marielle McKenna, Mary Kate (Steven Clay) Miller, Jacqueline (Will) Miller Horton, Thomas Miller, Edward Miller, Kelly (Matthew) Miller McCarthy, and Brian Miller; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Annabelle, and Madeleine Horton, and Cecelia and Penelope Daluga; sister, Janet (Patrick) Wiesner; brother, Thomas Kennedy; sisters-in-law, Marcia Kennedy and Alyce Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, James C. Miller; parents, Edward and Marion Kennedy; brother, Edward Kennedy; sister, Marion Kennedy Volini and her husband Camillo; sister-in-law, Mary Kennedy; brother-in-law, Robert Miller; brother-in-law, Donald Miller and his wife, Shirley; and nephew, Daniel Miller.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 9am until the time of Mass at 11am at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 N. Ela St., Barrington, IL. Burial will be held privately for the family at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Alsip, IL.