Joann Rae Dardick

Joann Rae Dardick obituary, Evanston, IL

Joann Rae Dardick

Joann Dardick Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 12, 2025.
Joann Rae Dardick was a loving, compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister - and a beacon of light to all she shone upon.



And there were so many: scores of extended family members, friends, fellow temple congregants and, significantly, the many children she taught during a life she dedicated to teaching, whether it was in the classroom, at temple, in her home or at her cherished Hannukah parties.



Joann Dardick, 72, passed away Jan. 11, 2025 after a five-year battle with a rare and progressive brain disorder that never drained her determination to shower love on, and care for, those in her orbit.



Raised by Esther and the late Fredric Finne in Chicago's western suburbs, where she attended Oak Park Temple and, in her teens, met her husband to be, Nathan, to whom she was married for 51 years.



As a young bride, she graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in education of the hearing impaired. She went on to teach early childhood education at Beth Emet Synagogue and later as an early intervention specialist at Solomon Schechter Day School. Later, she worked as a special education resource teacher at Elizabeth Meyer School, a self-employed tutor and a student support teacher at Beth Emet Synagogue Religious School, while earning her master's degree in early childhood special education.



At the same time, she and Nathan raised a family that included three sons, one daughter and, later, five grandchildren who became the joy of her life.



Known for lending a helping hand to anyone in need, she was adored for her annual Hannukah parties, where she regaled children and adults alike, leading them all in worship and song while performing puppet shows with puppets that she made herself. It was just one way she taught the traditions of her Jewish faith, which guided and brought joy to her life. She brought true meaning to the Talmudic saying that being a teacher is a "labor of heaven."



She and her husband, who led a charitable life, donated and lent a hand to many important causes. But it was her family - immediate and extended - that mattered most. All were touched by her love and kindness, which in the tradition of tikkun olum, indeed helped heal the world.



Later in life, she found great joy in helping care for, and teach, her grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed watching her granddaughters compete in ice skating and dance.



Joann Dardick was the beloved wife of Nathan Dardick and the loving mother of Samuel (Whitney) Dardick, Frederick Dardick, Tracy (William) Lyerly and Justin (Katie Drews) Dardick. She also was the cherished grandmother of Elle, Hannah, Ava, Jackson and Beckham; the loving daughter of Esther and the late Fredric Finne; and the dear sister of Laura (Dr. Charles) Miller.



Services are at 12 p.m. Tuesday at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment will be at Memorial Park in Skokie.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood, Attn: Online Services, P.O. Box 97166, Washington, DC 20090-7166, www.plannedparenthood.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website listed below. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Joann Dardick's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 7, 2025

Peter & Elsa Tragone posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2025

Carolyn Mies MD posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2025

Robert Neuhaus planted trees.

Peter & Elsa Tragone

April 7, 2025

Our deepest sympathy
Peter and Elsa Tragone

Carolyn Mies MD

March 25, 2025

May her memory be as a blessing for all.

Single Memorial Tree

Robert Neuhaus

Planted Trees

Janet Binion

February 28, 2025

I became Joann's friend while being her assistant teacher at Beth Emet's Preschool nearly 40 years ago. She was a warm, loving guiding light to our kids and to me as she mentored my nascent teaching career. Joann taught me everything I know about how to get children to do what you want without a wiff of authoritarianism. Though geography has separated us for 30 years, we kept in touch with texts, FB, and periodic long conversations. I will miss those conversations more than words can. Heaven became a better place when Joann passed on, while everyone she touched on earth grieves her loss.

Single Memorial Tree

Seth Madorsky & Laura Brauer

Planted Trees

Benita & Joe Kaminkow

January 25, 2025

Nate and Family,
Our prayers, love and condolences, We so enjoyed our last time we were together and will cherish the dear memory of Joann, our hearts go out to you and yours, Benita and Joe

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Benita & Joe Kaminkow

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Celia and Allan Heiman

Planted Trees

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Susan P. and James L. Hamilton

Planted Trees

Matthew Cohen

January 15, 2025

My condolences to the family. Joann was a wonderful person.

Single Memorial Tree

Pamela Ferdinand

Planted Trees

Marcin Kozerski

January 14, 2025

Nate,
I'm truly sorry to hear about Joann passing away.Despite not seeing her very often on tennis court lately she was always that one to remember and missed with her nice and laid back personality and always will stay in my memory.

Sincerely,

Marcin Kozerski.

Single Memorial Tree

Paul Mercury

Planted Trees

L Plotzker

January 13, 2025

Nate,
So very sorry to hear about Joann´s passing. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry Plotzker

Carol Coven Grannick

January 13, 2025

Nathan - I was so saddened to hear of Joann's death. Our paths crossed at Schechter in a variety of ways, and our conversations were always nourishing and interesting. Long after the Skokie school closed, I've thought of her as one of the bright lights in my many years there as parent, volunteer, and staff.

Philip & Ellen Leavitt

January 13, 2025

Nate:
Ellen & I are so very sorry for your loss. Joann's death is a loss for us all. Her memory WILL endure. Take care of yourself, Tracy, Justin, Sam & Fred and know we are here for you.
Phil & Ellen

Dexter Marks

January 13, 2025

Dear Nate,

I´m so sorry for your loss. Please know I´m thinking of you during this difficult time. If you need anything, I´m here for you, always.

With deepest sympathy,
Dexter Marks

Laurie and Jeff Dardick

January 12, 2025

We met Joann when she was in Saint Louis. I remember her as a bright warm and energetic and beautiful lady. I hope you will continue to be blessed by her memories...

MAUREEN SHEEHY

January 12, 2025

As a former neighbor of the Dardicks I admired Joanne's devotion to her family and faith. I send my condolences to her family. I am sorry for their loss and send wishes for peace and comfort.

Tracy Van Fleet

January 12, 2025

This picture is from July, 2024. The whole family had a wonderful day out in the butterfly garden and the butterflies loved Joann! It was always such a joy to be with her. I especially loved her easy laugh.

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Sign Joann Dardick's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 7, 2025

Peter & Elsa Tragone posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2025

Carolyn Mies MD posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2025

Robert Neuhaus planted trees.