Joan Frances Moore

Joan Frances Moore, affectionately known as Joan to her friends and colleagues, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, after a courageous 3-year battle with lung cancer. Born on July 12, 1948, in Virginia, Joan's zest for life, intelligence, and spirited nature left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Joan was a proud graduate of Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and went on to further her education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where she honed her intellectual prowess and developed a deep-rooted passion for the natural world. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong commitment to the education about and conservation of reptiles.
An ardent herpetologist, Joan's love and fascination for snakes led her to a distinguished membership with the Chicago Herpetological Society (CHS) starting in 1981. Over the years, she played pivotal roles within the society, including President, Membership Secretary, and Treasurer. Joan was instrumental in advancing the society's mission and became a well-respected figure among the herpetological community.
Joan was a familiar face at numerous public events sponsored by the CHS, where she enthusiastically shared her knowledge and passion. She educated the public about the significance of reptiles through engaging talks at shopping malls, the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and the much-anticipated annual Reptile Fest. Joan's ability to captivate audiences and dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures earned her respect and admiration from both peers and the public alike.
Joan's expertise also extended to the written word. As a frequent contributor to the CHS bulletin, she shared her insights, research, and experiences with a wider audience. Her meticulous nature shone through in her work as a co-editor and proofreader, ensuring that the bulletin remained a reputable source of information and education for readers.
In 1996, Joan's relentless efforts and unwavering dedication were recognized with a Lifetime Service Award from the CHS. This accolade was a testament to her significant contributions to the field of herpetology and her success in enhancing the public's appreciation for reptiles and their role in our world.
Joan's legacy is marked by her passionate advocacy for reptiles, her intelligent approach to education, and her spirited determination to make a difference. Her presence will be deeply missed by her friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals she inspired through her work.
As we bid farewell to Joan Frances Moore, we celebrate a life richly lived and passionately dedicated to the understanding and preservation of the natural world. Her indomitable spirit and contributions to herpetology will continue to influence and inspire for generations to come. Joan's journey may have ended, but the ripples of her impact will forever be felt in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her and in the field she so loved.