JoAnne Irani

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of JoAnne Irani, a woman of strength, courage, determination and unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. JoAnne, 84, formerly of Chillicothe, Illinois, went home to be with our Lord in her heavenly body on May 3, 2026, at Copper Creek Cottages Memory Care, in Mattoon, Il after her long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Mount Zion Township Cemetery in Mount Zion, IL. A private family visitation will precede the service. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.

Born Rita JoAnn Wikel on January 18, 1942, in Chicago, IL at Saint Anthony’s Hospital to Reba June Rowe and Reo Louis Wikel.

For more than 30 years, JoAnne poured her heart into her work at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL, serving as a dedicated lead claims adjuster.

JoAnne loved to work outdoors and always took great pride in her garden, lawn and home in Chillicothe, IL. With quiet strength and unwavering love, she devoted her life to raising her three daughters and proudly guided each through college. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; they were truly her greatest joy. She had a strong love of Christ and was a beautiful example of compassion and kindness.

JoAnne is survived by her daughters, Dollie Irani-Boyd, of Arizona; Amy Irani-Leaverton (Sue) of California and Katy Gilman (Albert) of Decatur, IL and grandchildren Karlie Politron (Salvador), Zachary Boyd, Olivia Gilman, Quin Gilman, Sam Gilman, and George Gilman.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Copper Creek Cottages Memory Care for their unwavering compassionate care as JoAnne battled Lewy Body Dementia. Their kindness and daily dedication to creating a loving environment meant more than words can express.

The family also wishes to thank Transitions Hospice, who went above and beyond to ensure that JoAnne was comfortable, respected, and cared for, with compassion during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in JoAnne’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Suite 105, Lilburn, GA 30047, https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-lbda-fundraiser/participant/AmyIrani-Leaverton .