Joann Ludwig (nee Stone), aged 87, of Palatine, formerly of Chicago, Washington DC, and Greensboro, North Carolina, peacefully departed with her family by her side on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Beloved mother of Karen S. (Dugan T. Wong) Ludwig-Wong, Karl S. Ludwig, and George S. Ludwig, Joann was the cornerstone of her family. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as "Grandmama," and she sparkled whenever she was with them, whether in person or virtually. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be forever remembered by those who knew her.
Joann pursued her education at the University of North Carolina, earning an Associate degree in business. Her professional journey led her to the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. In Illinois, she became a licensed interior designer, and due to her love of animals, she volunteered at the Lincoln Park Zoo, eventually becoming a member of the Board of Directors.
In her heart, Joann was a true artist. Blessed with a golden voice that she deemed "a gift from God," she shared her musical talents with choirs and chorales throughout her lifetime.
But her artistic expression didn't end there. She found beauty in painting vibrant landscapes with acrylics, capturing the essence of nature through her photography, gracing the stage in community theatre productions, and shaping clay into works of art through ceramics.
Joann Ludwig was more than an artist; she was a living embodiment of creativity, passion, and grace. She will be missed by all who were touched by her light.
In the embrace of her family and surrounded by love, Joann now rests, her legacy of love and artistry forever etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Private services were held. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital (https://www.luriechildrens.org), WDBC Jazz Radio (https://wdcb.org), and WTTW Public Radio (https://www.wttw.com).Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.