Joan Bourke

Joan Bourke, born June 9, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. She was a graduate of St. Gregory's High School, DePaul University and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. She spent many successful years with Witt Associates and later established her own health care compensation consultancy.

She was the adored daughter of the late May (née Cawley) and the late William Joseph Bourke. She was preceded in death by her loving sisters, Geraldine Taylor (the late William) and Alice Hayes (the late John), and her brother, Jack Bourke (the late Pat). Family was always at the center of Joan's world and she cherished her relationships with her niece, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and her many cousins in the Bourke and Cawley families.

Joan was known for her warmth, her storytelling, and - by her own cheerful admission- her love of conversation. She was the keeper of family history and never missed an opportunity to celebrate. A proud daughter of Irish immigrants, she remained devoted to her beloved County Mayo roots.

Joan will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and the laughter and stories she so generously shared. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4-8pm, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Family and friends are invited back to the funeral home on Wednesday, February 25, at 9:30am for closing prayers and a procession to St. Mary of the Woods Church for a 10am Mass. Interment private. For info, 773-736-3833.