Joanne Everett
Joanne Penrod Everett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1932, in Sycamore, Illinois, Joanne was the cherished daughter of May and Everett Penrod.
Joanne was married to the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Everett, affectionately known as “Cookie.” Together they built a beautiful family and a life filled with joy, adventure, and love. Joanne is survived by her four children: Gregg Everett (Marc Gottschall), Paula Everett, Mark Everett (Mimi Schafer), and Marcy Dunne (Marty Dunne). She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Being a grandmother was one of Joanne’s greatest joys. She was “there” for her grandchildren in every sense of the word – she held many of them within minutes of their birth, celebrated their milestones with unshakable enthusiasm, and cheered them on through every stage of life. To her grandchildren, she was not just a grandmother but a constant presence, a source of laughter, guidance, and unconditional love.
A woman of deep faith and service, Joanne was a passionate member of First Congregational Church of Western Springs, where she was a joyful and tireless contributor to the church’s Annual Rummage Sale, a cause close to her heart.
Joanne lived life with boundless energy and passion. A lifelong athlete, she could be found dominating the tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts well into her later years, often bringing home trophies and accolades. She loved a spirited game of cornhole, never one to back away from friendly competition.
She was also a gifted quilter and an active member of the Salt Creek Quilters Guild, where she held leadership roles and earned numerous awards for her artistry. Her quilts reflected the same vibrancy and warmth she brought to every part of her life.
Joanne’s community at Plymouth Place was especially dear to her, and she embraced her friends and neighbors with the same enthusiasm she had for everything. Known as “the life of the party,” she never RSVP’d “no” and delighted in good company. She loved a crisp sauvignon blanc or, on special occasions, a dirty martini with three olives. A talented cook, she especially enjoyed crafting colorful summer meals from farmers market finds, always making sure her table was filled with freshness, flavor, and love.
Joanne’s legacy is one of joy, generosity, and zest for life. She leaves behind a family and community who adored her and countless friends who will remember her laughter, her hospitality, and her unwavering spirit. Joanne was truly a FAVORITE gift to all who knew her which makes it especially cute that she was born on Christmas Day.
A celebration of Joanne’s remarkable life will be held at First Congregational Church of Western Springs on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.