Joan Sheridan

Joan Sheridan age 90 of Dixon died Sunday Oct. 2, 2016. She was born on July 21, l926 in South Dixon Township, the daughter of Joseph and Myra (Mekeel) Blackburn. She had been employed as a social worker by the Illinois Department of Public Aid for 17 years prior to her retirement in l990. She had also worked for Tri-County Opportunities prior to that. Mrs. Sheridan was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church and served on the parish council, a charter member and past president of the Lee County Council on Aging, past president of the Dixon Goodfellows, a charter member and member of the board of directors of the Volunteer Care Center in Dixon, a board member and past president Dixon Area Church Council, a CASA Volunteer, a volunteer at the PADS Homeless Shelter, a board member of the Leydig Center, a board member and past president of the Lee County Housing Authority. She was also a founding member and past president of the local FEMA organization now called the Lee County Emergency Food and Shelter Program. She served on the board for the Salvation Army and the Lee County Welfare Association as a board member and as an officer. In l987, Joan received the honor of being the first woman to receive the Dixon Citizen of the Year award. She was one of the original organizers for the Dixon Habitat for Humanity as well as a board member and past president. In 1994 at the Governor's Conference Joan received the coveted Sid Granet Award for her Achievements in the Aging Network. While Joan gave countless hours to her community and to helping those in need, she treasured her private time with her family especially enjoying her grandchildren. Her motto in life was "Be all you can be". She was preceded in death by her parents, daughters, Michele (Warren) Engle and Linda Thompson; brothers; Lewis, David, Joseph and William Blackburn. Sisters; Kathleen Smith, Mary Johnson, Ann Helfrich, and Phyllis Cathey. She is survived by her children; Cathy (Ron) Reglin, Robert (Theresa) Sheridan, of Dixon; Nancy (Dick) Minnier, of Dothan, AL, Karen Sheridan Naperville, IL; Laurie Sheridan, Joann Sheridan, Tony (Kathy) Sheridan, and John (Lori) Sheridan all of Dixon. She is also survived by 15 Grandchildren, 19 Great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Kenneth (Miriam) Blackburn of Dixon and a sister Betty Jane Pope of Polo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday Oct. 5, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St Anne Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Antoni Kretowicz officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon with a Luncheon following at the Holloway Center. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at St Anne Catholic Church with the Rosary at 7:30 PM. A Memorial has been established to St. Anne's Grade School and to Lee County Council on Aging.

Joan Sheridan

July 21, 1926 - October 2, 2016