Joan L. Walters (nee Beilfuss), 96, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1930, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Alfred and Beatrice (Mills) Beilfuss. She grew up in the Lansing area.
Joan graduated from Michigan State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Throughout her life, Joan was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She went on to dedicate her early career to teaching home economics and social sciences at the middle school and high school levels. In her later years, Joan worked in the insurance field at Great American Insurance and retiring from CNA Insurance.
In 1956, Joan married David C. Walters. Joan met Dave when she was a counselor at a summer camp and he was teaching sailing lessons. Sailing became an important part of their lives together.
After living in Michigan for many years, Joan and Dave moved with their family to the Chicago area in 1976. She was a dedicated member of the Arlington Heights Women's Club, where she served as an officer and completed two terms as president.
Joan was a member of the women's golf leagues with the Mount Prospect Chippers and later in the Del Webb community in Huntley.
A devoted Chicago sports fan, Joan loved cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks, Bears, and Bulls. She also enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers. She loved to have fun.
Above all else, family was always at the center of Joan's life. She took great pride in supporting her children and grandchildren, attending their sporting events and activities. Her love for her family continued to grow with each generation, and she absolutely adored her great-grandchildren, who she thought the world of.
Joan is survived by her children, Scott, Bruce (Mary), and Cindy (Jeff); grandchildren, Julie (Adam), Megan (Bryan), Kristen (Frank), Erin, Cameron, David, and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Madison, Alexis, Emma, Hanna, and Jayce; niece Suzy (Steve) Sadler and nephew Jason Walters.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dave Walters, her daughter-in-law Tara, and her parents.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:00am until the time of service at 2:30pm all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
A graveside service and burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing, MI on Friday, November 13, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association at donorservices.alz.org.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Joanie was such a sweet lady who we got to know when we moved into Sun City. Mari and I enjoyed spending time with her on our patio with a Tito's in hand. Rest in peace Joanie.
Condolences to the family 💔😢🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 RIP Joan 🌸❤️🌸 Beautiful memories ,she was a great person , so sweet!! She will be missed 😢💔🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry for the loss of your mom, Bruce. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family from France. Rest in peace, Joan.