Joanne Leaton Keller

Joanne Leaton Keller, age 94, of Northbrook, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025. She was loved by her family and is survived by her sister-in-law, Verelle M Leaton, nieces Valya Leaton, Jolynn Johnson, Deanne Sigmund, nephew Jim Leaton and 4 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her devoted parents James and Grace Leaton, her cherished brother James W Leaton, and her two loving children Jim and Jennifer Keller.
Joanne grew up on the North Shore between Wilmette and Winnetka. She went to DePaul University and graduated with a degree in Sociology. Joanne married David Keller and raised two children. Later, after her divorce, she married Jim Walker and was working as a realtor for Koenig and Strey. Joanne eventually divorced Jim but remained close to everyone. Throughout her life she remained very active with her church in Winnetka and Northbrook. She thoroughly enjoyed golfing and playing tennis and repeatedly challenged anyone to a tennis match right up to her demise. Joanne followed in her mother's footsteps by involving herself in gardening and flowers and enjoyed pottery and enjoyed having animals around her.
Joanne was deeply loved by her family and was a beacon of joy for her Southern Illinois relatives who remember her as a wonderful and caring person who gave until she could no longer give any more. Her devotion to all was inspiring.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Northbrook Evangelical Covenant Church, 2737 Techny Road, Northbrook, IL, 60062