Joanne J. Doll

NAME JOANNE J. DOLL, age 68, of Lily Lake, IL, passed away suddenly Sunday morning at Delnor Hospital, Geneva, following complications from viral pneumonia. BORN: She was born June 8, 1941, the daughter of Thomas Elizabeth (Saybo) Crowley in Chicago, IL. EARLY YEARS:She grew up on the south side of Chicago and attended local schools. Joanne worked for Eastman Kodak for a time and as well as the Chicago Tribune as an editor. Then she worked as a radiologist technician for both the Community Hospital in Geneva and St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. Later Joanne found her mission in life as a support specialist for the Elgin office of DCFS. There she fought valiantly for the children she was given to protect and it was quickly known that she was a force with which to be reckoned. MARRIAGE: Joanne met the love of her life in Ernie Doll. She was living across the street from his sister in Hanover Park and before long they formed a friendship that bloomed into something more. They were united in marriage in 1971 in Chicago. They began their life together in Streamwood for time before making their home in Lily Lake. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Joanne and Ernie shared their life, love and home as dedicated foster parents through DCFS and Catholic Charities. They provided a safe haven and a loving home to over three hundred children while eventually adopting seven children for their own. MEMBERSHIPS: She was a faithful member of S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Virgil, IL. LIFE NOTES: Joanne was a crafter plain and simple. She loved to knit, sew, crotchet and macrame anything at anytime. Family treasures include hand sewed paper doll families and Santa hats with matching knitted scarves. QVC was as close to her heart as her hand was to the remote. She called early and often getting clothes, laptops, Christmas and birthday presents as well as all the decorations that made their home festive for any occasion. Never one to let technology pass her by, Joanne also was a faithful Nintendo Wii bowler with her children passing the time frame by frame. Even though her work with DCFS and the thousands of children she cared for, Joanne never ran out of love, compassion and the passion it takes to care for those children who are left unprotected. Hundreds called her house a home while only seven were lucky enough to call her mom. Her heart and soul left their mark on this world and none will soon forget it. SURVIVORS: She now leaves her loving husband Ernie, Seven children:KimDiontaeKrista, Brandon, Tera, Timothy and John;Three brothers:Thomas "Junior" Crowley of Jim Thorpe, PA;Francis "Corky" Crowley of Braidwood, IL and William "Bill" Crowley of Arizona;Many nieces and nephews and hundreds of children and friends who became family when they walked through her door. PRECEDED:She now joins her parents who preceded her in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2009, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A wake service will conclude visitation at 8 p.m. A mass to celebrate her life will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Virgil, IL. Fr. Perfecto Vasquesz, pastor of the church, will officiate. Private family interment will follow cremation. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name. Checks may be made to the "Joanne Doll Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2009, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A wake service will conclude visitation at 8 p.m. A mass to celebrate her life will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Virgil, IL. Fr. Perfecto Vasquesz, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Private family interment will follow cremation.