Joanne D. Corkill

Joanne Denise Corkill (née Hickey), age 75, passed away on July 7, 2026, in Kewanee, Illinois after a courageous, 7-year battle with cancer. Born on October 19, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland. She married the love of her life, Alan Corkill on November 23, 1968 in Glen Burnie, MD. Joanne lived a life filled with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and community.

Joanne graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1968 and later attended Black Hawk College. Joanne was known for her remarkable creativity and talent in crafting, cooking and baking. She lovingly designed and created beautiful Halloween costumes annually for each of her grandchildren, a testament to her dedication and artistic spirit.  She patiently taught many of her children and grandchildren how to sew, cook and bake. 

Joanne’s life was centered around her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Alan Corkill; her son Brian Corkill and his wife Amy; her daughter Lynda Anderson and her husband Jim; and her cherished grandchildren: Emma Vincent and her husband Blake; Sam Anderson; Hannah Anderson and her fiancé Jerett Crowell; Nick Anderson and his wife Delanie along with their son Carson; Sophia Russell and her husband Ryan along with their son Atlas; and her niece and nephews. Joanne’s love extended deeply to all of them, especially to her great-grandchildren Carson and Atlas, who brought immense joy to her life.

She was predeceased by her parents William Hickey and Ruth Hickey; her sister Linda Tieman; her brothers Quentin "Skip" McDonald and William "Billy" Hickey Jr.; as well as her sister-in-law Ann McLain and brother-in-law Robert “Bob” McLain. Though they are no longer here, their memories remained close to Joanne’s heart throughout her life.

Joanne had an adventurous spirit that led her to travel often, particularly to the beach - a place she loved dearly. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring Maryland Blue Crab or celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion with grand enthusiasm. Her ability to make every event a memorable celebration was one of the many ways she brought joy to those around her.  She took great pride in planning grand family vacations that will remain in her family’s memories for a lifetime.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, Joanne, never missed an opportunity to support her children’s or grandchildren’s sports games or school events. Her presence at these milestones reflected the deep pride she took in their accomplishments. Beyond family gatherings, Joanne also gave generously of herself through volunteer work within the community and church.

Joanne will be remembered as a caring, loving, kind-hearted woman who radiated fun and warmth wherever she went. Her outgoing nature made it easy for others to feel connected to her. Those who knew Joanne will forever cherish the memories of laughter shared during family gatherings or quiet moments spent enjoying each other’s company.

May Joanne Denise Corkill’s memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 13 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Rev. Randy Swanson officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Private inurnment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in rural Kewanee at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Galva Park District, Illinois Cancer Care or to the Galva Lions Club.

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