Photo courtesy of Nelson Funeral Home
Park Ridge, Illinois
Feb 27, 1942 – Jul 4, 2025
In Loving Memory of Joanne Paris Julian 1942 – 2025
Joanne Paris Julian, a long time Chicagoan, whose spirit shone brightly through the hearts she touched, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born in Chicago to James and Grace Paris (née Tarant), Joanne was the youngest of four siblings—Tom, Marie, and Helen—who predeceased her. She grew up surrounded by family and later extended that love to a large and devoted circle of nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A proud graduate of Amundsen High School and Western Illinois University, Joanne devoted her professional life to education, serving for many years as a beloved teacher in Northbrook School District 28. She had a gift for nurturing young minds and a passion for learning that never waned.
Joanne made her home in Lincoln Park, where she embraced the vibrancy of city life. She found joy in travel, the theatre, museums, and all forms of culture—and held a special fondness for the Lincoln Park Zoo. Her intellectual curiosity and appreciation for beauty made every outing an adventure.
She was the cherished wife of David C. Julian and a source of love and strength for her family. After the passing of her sister Marie, Joanne deepened her bond with Marie’s children—Peter, his children, Annie and Lizzie, Valerie (Scott), their child, James, and Jackie, — becoming a steady presence and confidante in their lives.
Joanne's warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she enriched, the family she adored, and the community she served with grace.
Visitation, Tuesday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge. a Funeral Service will be held July 16, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Ave., Chicago. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to St. Andrew Orthodox Church or to Lincoln Park Zoo.
To donate online please use the following links:
Donate online to St. Andrew Orthodox Church
Donate online to Lincoln Park Zoo
For information, 847-823-5122.
Read MoreJoanne had such a good heart & was genuinely kind to everyone. She will be missed here in the 2800 building. I am remembering her and her family in my prayers.
Barbara French
July 20, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Acquaintance
Joanne was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed seeing her and David. My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
Michael Petitti
July 16, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Friend
Our family and the world lost an ageless, timeless beautiful woman. We will always remember her kindness and spirit. She touched so many lives. Joanne always faced her health struggles head on with grace and bravery. She was truly a friend to all and will be sorely missed. Joanne was a wonderful Sister-in-Law and a fabulous Aunt to our children. We were privileged to have her as a part of our family.
Susan and Ryan Julian
July 14, 2025 | Barrington, IL | Family
What a lovely, warm and dear lady. Joanne gave me her friendship, and opened all her extended family to me, ever since we first met. She sat me at her table many times and made me part of her and her husbands' adventures to zoos, concerts, plays, dinner parties and gatherings of all sorts. I was blessed to have such a dear, generous and valued friend as Joanne: that privilege and friendship are deeply missed---they are a cherished privilege and memory that remain with me forever.
J. Kent Kerr
July 14, 2025 | Oak Park, IL | Friend
Deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful lady. I know her from the church.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Sem Karnezos
July 14, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Farewell Too Soon Bouquet
Larry and Marie Stark
July 13, 2025
Joanne always put everyone else before herself. Our family was so blessed when she married Wink (David) and joined our family. She was a loving, engaging woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Joanne always wanted to know what you were doing, her attentiveness to all around her was unmatched. If you said you were coming to visit she would offer to be the "tour guide" with suggestions of places to see or events that would be taking place. Her menus and table settings would surpass Martha...
Jorie Abbott
July 11, 2025 | San Bruno, CA | Family
Joanne embodied the true meaning of friendship—loyal, genuine, and deeply present. Over 30 years ago, my parents, Georgia & Jack Leese, formed an indelible bond with Joanne & David that quickly grew beyond friendship into chosen family. Together, we shared countless holidays and special occasions—moments filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
The depth of that connection, built over decades, is rare and precious. Joanne’s presence in our lives leaves a lasting legacy—one of unwavering...
Stephanie Leese Emrich
July 09, 2025 | Friend
Joanne was one of the nicest women I’ve known. I didn’t get to know her well, but every time we’d stop and talk she was always caring and kind. I admired her perseverance. I will miss her.
Dale Addison
July 09, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Friend