Joy L. Wilcox

Joy L. Wilcox, 85, of Lisle

Loving mother, teacher, librarian, storyteller and world traveler died peacefully, surrounded by family on February 14, 2026.

Born January 24, 1941, Joy grew up in Lisle where she played in the grotto by the nearby convent. She excelled in school and attended Illinois State University.

After graduating, she taught English in Kenya before suffering a degenerative hip ailment that required being air-lifted back to the US.

After a long treatment she walked with a cane for decades. In that span she married and had her son, Mark. She returned to teaching in the Glenbard school district; then transitioned to a children's librarian in Wheaton.

Over many years Joy helped children find new adventures in reading and sparked the imaginations of all ages through her storytelling performances. During these years, she earned her Master's Degree.

Approaching retirement, Joy got both hips, knees, ankles and wrists replaced or repaired all while renewing her travels. Eventually she visited more than 70 countries and set foot on every continent except Antarctica.

In her later years, Joy returned to the old convent that had since been turned into a senior living community. The grotto she so loved and played by as a child was still there. She traveled so that she could always come home.

She is survived by her son Mark (Traci).

A memorial service will be held at the chapel at Villa St. Benedict on Thursday, February 19 at 11:30 am.

There will be no formal visitation and the interment will be private.