JoAnn Joyce Fabian

JoAnn Joyce Fabian, 89, formerly of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024. She was born on June 6, 1935, in Chicago to Gus and Della (Vick) Sandahl.

On September 19, 1953, JoAnn married the love of her life, Robert Fabian. A trailblazer in her time, JoAnn advanced from secretary to vice-president and part-owner of the Alan Drey Company, where she found immense joy in her work.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, JoAnn cherished her family above all. She was known for her love of knitting, playing the piano, solving puzzles with Robert, and sharing her passion for music and dancing. JoAnn was also deeply involved in her church, always willing to lend a helping hand. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she delighted in baking spritz cookies and Swedish pancakes for them.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Karen (Jerry) Ilc, Sharon (Philip) Jopa, and Robin (Paul) Jopa; her beloved grandchildren, Bill (Michele) Ilc, Brian (Ally) Ilc, Mike (Jocelyn) Jopa, Kristin (Patrick) Hauser, Jeff (Tracy) Jopa, Paul Ryan (Katie) Jopa, Greg (Raquel) Jopa, Brett (Stacey) Jopa, and Chris Jopa; fifteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and sisters, Donna (John) Camacho and Laura (the late Frank) Variny; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Dolores “Dee Dee” (Orlando) Cervi.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St., Barrington. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 Pathway Court, Crystal Lake, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.