Joanne C. Craig

Joanne Craig, 84, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She was born to James and Palmera Barea on March 13, 1941, and lived her entire life in Rockford. She married Hobert (Peewee) Craig December 2, 1961. She raised three children, Thomas (Richelle) Craig, Diane (Keith Anderson) Roberts and Brian Craig. She was the best “Grammy” to Laura Roberts, Jeffrey Roberts, and Erin (Josh) Pearson. She also had three great-grandchildren, Mason Pearson, Ella Pearson and the apple of her eye, Nathan Roberts.  

Besides her children and grandchildren, her pets were so very loved. Her dogs, Bear, Bubba, Bandit, Sadie, Sara, Fluffy and many kitties, gave her such joy. Several were rescues and we always said, “You are about to have the best life ever”.

Joanne spent 20+ years serving lunch to the children of Washington Elementary and Ellis Elementary schools. She also worked at Pino's Restaurant on N. Main for many years. She loved her work, and the special people she worked with.  Joanne also loved her country music and would attend any and all concerts at the Metro Centre and Coronado all by herself sometimes. More recently, she would sit outside listening to classic country music and singing the words to every song. She was a lifelong Elvis fan and travelled to Graceland which was one of her most treasured vacations. She loved to listen to his music forever and always.

As a mother, Grammy and friend, she loved all, never asked anything of anyone and was the sweetest person you would ever meet. Everyone who knew her loved her. She was kind, accepting, funny, independent, stubborn (at times) and just a beautiful soul.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Jaime as she was the caregiver for our mother. She loved Joanne and because of her she was able to stay at home as she always wanted. Also a thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice for the care they gave Joanne in her final weeks.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 8616 W. State Rd., Winnebago, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS Humane Society, pawshs.org.

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