Joann H. Vandemore

Joann H. Vandemore, 85, a lifelong resident of Atkinson, IL, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2017, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Long Term Care Unit, Geneseo. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson. Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Atkinson. A Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be left to St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Joann was born on March 18, 1932, the daughter of Joseph B. and Helen (Causemaker) Vandemore, in Atkinson. She graduated from Atkinson High School and continued her education at Stephens College. In her early years, Joann modeled for Peterson Harned Von Maur Department Store in Davenport. She was a funeral assistant for Vandemore Funeral Home, working first for her father, Joe, and continuing with her nephew, Joel Vandemore. She assisted many families through their losses, and she was cherished by them for her gentle and sincere presence. Joann was a lifetime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where she served on the Altar & Rosary Society, and the St. Anthony Cookbook committee. She was very proud of the monies raised for the parish. She cherished the friendships she created throughout her years serving St. Anthony Catholic Church. Joann had a love and passion for horses. She raised and showed many throughout her life. Joann also loved her dogs, Irish Setters, and Italian Greyhounds. She was an avid, lifetime Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. She loved Atkinson and was dedicated to it until the end.

Those left to cherish her memory include her nieces and nephews, Terry (Jill) Vandemore, Geneseo, Tina (Rock) VanOpdorp, Atkinson, Robin (James) VanMeenen, Atkinson, Tom Vandemore, Atkinson, and Joel Vandemore, Geneseo. Joann is also survived by several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen, and by her brother, Darrell “Ki” Vandemore.

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