Joan Marie Atkins

Joan Marie Atkins, age 70, a devoted wife, mother, and Nana of Roselle, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on December 28, 1954, in Chicago.

Joan was the beloved wife of James "Jim" Atkins, with whom she shared nearly 49 years of marriage. She was the proud and loving mother of Jimmy (Lisa), Katherine, Michael, and Danny (Katie). Her greatest joy was being "Nana" to her grandchildren: Nattalie, Jake, Michael Lewis, Joseph, Carmen, Lauren, Bennett, Kailani, Haley Cornwall, Kenzie Evans, Giovanni Parker, and the late Sekani and Damani Atkins.

She was the cherished daughter to the late George F. and Joan M. Pierce, sister of the late William (Chris), James (Gail), Richard (Pam), Michael (Wendy) Pierce, and sister-in-law of Daniel (Sue), Bruce (Janette) Atkins. She will also be remembered as a loving aunt to Shaun, Jimmy Patrick, Tom (Kelly), Jeffrey (Jason), Ryan Pierce, Colleen (Rob) Eannarino, Erin (Victor) Batista, Scott (Linda), Ryan, Andy, Jonathan (Jamie), and Andrea Atkins.

Joan grew up in Oak Park and attended St. Giles and Trinity High School, where she formed lifelong friendships. As the only girl among brothers, she often joked that she learned "what not to do" from them. She went on to become a nurse at St. Anne's Hospital, where she met her future husband, Jim, who worked as a food service director. They married on November 7, 1976, first settling in Downers Grove before becoming longtime residents of Roselle.

A woman of great faith, compassion, and dedication Joan began her career as a Registered Nurse, later shifting to various roles at Waterbury Elementary School so she could care for her children while continuing to serve others. She worked there for 25 years, had the most wonderful friends who became chosen family, and is remembered by all for her kindness and warmth. Even years after retirement, mention of her name brought immediate smiles and the familiar response: "I love Joan!"

Above all, Joan's life centered on family. Her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless. During her illness, the most difficult part was knowing she would not see her grandchildren grow into the people they are destined to become. Yet her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with many loved ones, including her grandbabies Sekani and Damani, embracing them in heaven with the same joy and love she gave so freely on earth.

Friends and family will meet Saturday, October 11, 2025 at St. Walter Catholic Church, 130 W. Pine Avenue, Roselle for Memorial Mass at 10:00am. A private inurnment will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation would be much appreciated.