Joan Durrett

Joan Marie Durrett, 87, of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025.

Joan was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on September 9, 1937, to Myrt MacDonald. She grew up alongside her older sister, Rita, and attended Holy Child High School in Waukegan, where she formed lifelong friendships that she treasured until her last day.

Joan married Eugene “Pete” Smith, and together they raised three children—Peter, Jackie, and Steve—while living in Mundelein, Illinois. After their divorce in 1971, Joan devoted herself to raising her children with love and strength. In 1988, she found love again and married Richard “Dick” Durrett.

Music was always at the heart of Joan’s life. She sang in school choirs from an early age and went on to share her gifts as both a soloist and dancer at Abbott Laboratories shows. She also performed leading roles with the Mundelein Kirk Players, including Night Watch, and many others. Joan was an award-winning director and vocalist, lending her talents to groups such as Choral Dynamics, the jazz vocal group City Lights, and countless solo performances.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Joan lived her faith deeply. She sang in church choirs, volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and gave generously of her time and talents to her community. After moving with Dick to New Lisbon, Wisconsin, she continued to share her music, her spirit of service, and her true gift of friendship with all who knew her.

Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Myrt MacDonald, and brother-in-law, Harold Goetz. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Durrett; her sister Rita Goetz, her children Peter (Jennifer) Smith, Stephen (Joan) Smith, and Jackie (Ronald) Blackard; grandchildren Aaron (Brianne) and Zachary Smith, Preston Smith, Julie, Jennifer, Janie, and Bryan (Megan) Blackard and eight great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Joan will be remembered for her faith, her voice, her kindness, and her unwavering devotion to family and community. Her song lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.

There will be two Celebration of Life Services one for our Wisconsin and Illinois Family and Friends.  

For Wisconsin – 

When: Saturday September 13th 10am for service with lunch immediately following

Where: Our Lady of the Lake Church service and Luncheon – 6865 Evergreen St. Mauston, WI

For Illinois –

When: Saturday September 20th from 1pm – 5pm

Where: Kristan Funeral Home – 219 West Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060