Joan Zernich

URBANA - Well, I can't deny, I'm no longer here. My life has been wonderful and filled with a lot of laughs. Yes, it's sad when someone dies, but I want you, my family and friends, to remember the good times we shared together and enjoy some great chocolate. Money is no object - hey, I'm not here to pay - so go for it. Thanks to each of you for making my life so grand. You helped me reduce stressful situations, especially when they were no more than luxury problems like what to wear when Spanx are no longer effective. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, Theodore Zernich, and we have been happily married since Aug. 22, 1964. As the love of my life, we shared mutual values regarding trust, love, character and family, which bonded us instantly. He greeted me every morning with "I love you," every day of our marriage, followed by a compliment that made my day, every day. I've come a long way from recycling drapes into Halloween costumes for my daughters. Fortunately, my daughters have come a lot farther. True happiness was being the mother of Amy Zernich Best (John) and Sari Zernich Worsham (Scott). I've often said, "Everyone should have an Amy and a Sari" (Amy and Sari would say everyone should have a Joan and Ted). My precious grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Best, were a true passion in my life. Although I was delighted to travel the world, it was topped by the trips we took with each of them beginning at the age of 10. I loved reading to them when they were young, and joining book clubs when I was older. Love is something that has no limits and only expands, thanks to you, my family and friends. Please don't send flowers, but instead send a donation to a charity that can serve the living. My personal favorites, where I was a longtime volunteer, are the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, WILL and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Joan Rodgers Zernich passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, with her family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Irvin and Victoria Rodgers.

She is a graduate of Edinboro University, Pa., and received a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois. She had a more-than-considerable career, from public school teacher to financial planner. She was the first marketing representative for Carle Foundation Hospital HMO services, later becoming Carle's director of Business Health Services. She was also a chair and charter member of the Occupational Medicine Assembly, receiving the OMA Meritorious Service Award.

Joan retired from Carle Foundation Hospital after 24 years of service and continued on the board of directors of the Eastern Illinois Food Bank for 16 years. She was also a charter member of the Carle Legacy Circle, charter member and past president of the Executive Club of Champaign, and she started the Re-Wirement chapter of ECC for members who retired, was a charter member of the University of Illinois Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the WILL public broadcasting Community Advisory Committee. She also was a mentor for various organizations such as UI "I Promise," UI Extension, Green Meadows Girl Scout Camp Exec program, and was on the board of directors for American Red Cross of Champaign County, and was a weekly volunteer at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, among many, many others.

Joan was in "That's What She Said" in February 2022, at the age of 80; she was fabulous in sharing her life lessons. She received many laughs and a lot of applause! She loved rehearsing with all the other women who were a part of that special evening. She is remembered for her laughter, her unwavering dedication to, and love for, her husband, her daughters, her sons-in-law, her grandchildren and friends, and her eternal quest to make the world a better place than she found it.

Services will be private with a celebration of life in September.