Joan V. Mcelligott-Lueken

Joan Vivian McElligott-Lueken, 79, passed away surrounded in spirit by many loving family and friends September 25, 2021. Daughter of Herbert and Vivian (Canner) Tennant and sister to Janet, Carol, Renee and brother Randy. Joan was also blessed to have two great loves, one was Walter L. McElligott who she was married to for nearly fifty-years before his passing. Joan later married Raymond J. Lueken and they shared much love and joy during their 8 years of marriage.

Joan and Walter had two children, Ken L. McElligott (55) and Karen L. (McElligott) Nuccitelli (50). She primarily worked as a substitute teacher and did other part-time jobs so she could dedicate most of her time to loving and raising her family. Later in life, she continued to make us all proud when she completed her Master's in Education. After which, she went on to teach Special Education for nearly twenty-years in Chicagoland public schools.

She lived a life of service to others and deep love of family. She taught us all how to love unconditionally and forgive gracefully. She had many friends in Christ and was part of a powerful prayer community; ceaselessly praying throughout her life. Her deepest joy was spending time with family and she always put others first. She was happiest at home with her husband Ray, her son Ken and his wife Robin, and her daughter Karen and her husband Kevin, her 7 grandchildren Ariel, Nicole, Kasey, Kody, Anthony, Cory and Morgan and her great-grandchildren Jake, Emie and Wyatt.

She loved to spend time with, and do everything to provide for, her family and students. She also liked shopping, reading, watching T.V. and listening to music. She loved special occasions and the holidays because it meant getting together to enjoy all her favorite things and taking numerous pictures to capture the moments. She loved to be silly and laugh. She liked good food, sweets and wine and cherished the trips she took to visit her daughter even as far away as Europe.

She was a beautiful woman who taught us to treat ourselves and others with kindness and compassion. She was met in Heaven by her mother Vivian, father Herb, brother Randy, first husband, Wally and grandchildren Kody and Jake. She will be deeply missed yet, we know she will be looking down, watching, guiding and comforting us all from above. She will be honored at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood on Saturday, October 9, 2021 visitation from 3:00- 7:00. There will be a prayer service at 6:30 pm. For additional information contact 708-798-5300.