Joan C. McGinnis, 96, of Bradley, passed away on July 19, 2026, at Arcadia Care of Kankakee.
She was born on February 2, 1930, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee to Joseph Benoit and Irene (Prairie) Benoit. On February 9, 1952, in Kankakee, Joan married the love of her life, Gerald McGinnis.
In her early years, Joan worked in the office at Kroehler Manufacturing in Bradley. She later worked at several daycare centers before dedicating herself to her greatest calling as a homemaker, where she lovingly cared for her family and home.
A lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, Joan's faith was the foundation of her life. She generously volunteered countless hours at the parish school while her daughters attended and was an active member of the Ladies of St. Anne and many other church organizations. Attending Sunday Mass was a cherished priority, and even while traveling, she always made it a point to find a Catholic church to worship.
Joan was also deeply committed to her community. She proudly served for many years on the Bradley Planning and Zoning Commission Board and was passionate about the village she called home. She loved her neighborhood and treasured the friendships she made throughout her life.
She enjoyed visiting local thrift shops and spending time searching for unique treasures. Joan was extremely close with her siblings, and family gatherings were among her greatest joys. Together they created countless memories filled with laughter, and over the years she delighted in sharing those moments, having 44 nieces and nephews later joining the fun.
Above all, Joan treasured her family. She especially cherished the 66 years she shared with Gerald, and her daughters and their families were truly the pride and joy of her life.
Those who knew Joan will always remember her signature hats. She rarely left home without wearing one, and her warm smile and kind spirit made everyone she met feel like a friend.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Larry) Yarno, Brenda (Larry) Keller, and Carla (Damien) Boatright; grandchildren, Todd Yarno, Amy (Brian) McCrary, Candis (Jake) Lenzi, Haleigh (Stephen) Parting, and Johnna (Zach) Morley; great grandchildren, Addison McCrary, Langston Yarno, Bria McCrary, Brennan (LJ) Foster, Sonya Lenzi, and Elizabeth (Ellie) Parting; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Florence (Leonard) Denault, Bernice (Robert) Buckley, Rosemary (Raymond) Senesac, Theresa (Sam) Ciaccio, Joyce (Douglas) Altmyer, and Eloise (Jack) Martin; brothers, Artel (Yvonne) Benoit, Donald (Barbara) Benoit, Jerome (Betty) Benoit, and Maurice (Theresa) Benoit; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Jean) McGinnis and Glynn McGinnis; as well as nieces and nephews.
Private family services were held. Burial was held at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice, Bourbonnais.
