3
trees
planted in memory of Joan Snyder
Obituary for Joan Snyder
Joan Blessington Snyder, 70, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, October 22, 2021, with her family by her side. She was born on September 18, 1951 in Clinton, IA to the late Raymond and Norma (Petrehn) Blessington. She married Stan Snyder in Peoria on May 16, 1987. Joan is survived by Stan; their daughter, Allison Sterling (Jim) of Massillon, OH; son, Mitchell (Nicole LaMantia) of Griffith, IN; two granddaughters, Josephine and Emilia Sterling; siblings Jim Blessington of Chillicothe, Janis Hawkins (Randy) of Chillicothe, Regina Harris (Scott) of Chillicothe, Joyce Kapacinskas of Moline, Jeff Blessington of Wenona; brother-in-law, Steve Snyder (Lisa) of Peoria; and niece, Genna Hawkins of Houston. Her third granddaughter is expected to arrive in January to Mitch and Nicole. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Algird Kapacinskas.
Joan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1991. From that point on, she was extremely active in raising awareness and funds for the Parkinson’s community. She created the annual fundraiser Shake, Rattle & Roll for Parkinson’s Disease, was the founder of the CALIPSO organization, co-wrote a book (Voices from the Parking Lot, 2002), received the 25 Women in Leadership Award (2002), co-produced a CD (Voices from the Dreams We Share, 2011) and was officially recognized by the Illinois State Senate in 2013 for 15 years of Parkinson’s Advocacy, having raised more than $100,000.
In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Joan was a popular bartender at Peoria Pizza Works. She was known for her love of music and her legendary parties.
Joan was brave, resilient and extremely strong-willed. With her family, friends and Catholic faith, she was able to fight this cruel disease for over 30 years. The family will never be able to express their gratitude to her friend and long-time caregiver, Jeanna Adkinson.
A funeral service will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe on November 20 at 11 a.m. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends starting at 9 a.m. In true Joan fashion, she has planned a party in celebration of her life that the family will host next summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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Joan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1991. From that point on, she was extremely active in raising awareness and funds for the Parkinson’s community. She created the annual fundraiser Shake, Rattle & Roll for Parkinson’s Disease, was the founder of the CALIPSO organization, co-wrote a book (Voices from the Parking Lot, 2002), received the 25 Women in Leadership Award (2002), co-produced a CD (Voices from the Dreams We Share, 2011) and was officially recognized by the Illinois State Senate in 2013 for 15 years of Parkinson’s Advocacy, having raised more than $100,000.
In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Joan was a popular bartender at Peoria Pizza Works. She was known for her love of music and her legendary parties.
Joan was brave, resilient and extremely strong-willed. With her family, friends and Catholic faith, she was able to fight this cruel disease for over 30 years. The family will never be able to express their gratitude to her friend and long-time caregiver, Jeanna Adkinson.
A funeral service will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe on November 20 at 11 a.m. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends starting at 9 a.m. In true Joan fashion, she has planned a party in celebration of her life that the family will host next summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To plant a tree in memory of Joan Snyder, visit the Tribute Store.
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