Joan E. Clowes

Joan E. Clowes (nee Hoke), 82, of Mount Prospect, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Beloved wife of George A. Clowes for 58 wonderful years. Loving mother of Sarah Clowes (Anton Crane) and Tom (Kristin) Clowes. Cherished grandmother of Leonie Crane. Dear sister of Gordon "Gordy" (Connie) Hoke and Lawrence "L.J." (Rita) Hoke, and dear sister-in-law of Bill (Dorothy) Clowes and the late Don (Christine) Clowes. Fond cousin of James (Judy) Hoke, Edward "Ed" (the late Jennifer) Hoke, Tom (Meighan) Spiro, and Claude Spiro. Treasured aunt of Georgia, Tasia, Eric, Graham, Vivian, Joanne, Ian, Susan, Andrew, Simon, and Mathew. Survived by her aunt, Elaine (the late Robert) Spiro. Preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Gloria Hoke; and aunt and uncle, Gloria and Herbert "Herbie" Hoke. Warm friend and inspiration for many.

Joan was born in Chicago on August 31, 1943. She grew up in Chicago and Skokie, Ill., and attended Niles East and Niles West High Schools. She earned a lifelong family moniker of "Joans" after working as a summer camp counselor whom the children called "Miss Joans." She earned a bachelor's degree from Miami University of Ohio, spending her junior year in Madrid to gain fluency in Spanish, her chosen major. After graduating, she taught Spanish in Downers Grove and Evanston, Ill. While enrolled in a master's program at Northwestern University, she met her husband-to-be and life-long partner George, whom she married in 1967. After four years in England, she, husband George, and daughter Sarah moved back to Illinois, where Joan happily dedicated herself to the job of stay-at-home Mom, raising and guiding her children Sarah and Tom. Some years after the birth of her son Tom, she earned a master's in linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University and then taught English to English language learners at Oakton and Harper Community Colleges. She enjoyed playing guitar and singing in the Northwest Choralettes at the Lattof YMCA, served as a picture lady for Lions Park Elementary School, taught Sunday School at Countryside Unitarian Church of Palatine, and later served on the Managing Council of the Chicago Meditation Center of the Self-Realization Fellowship. To the end of her days, she enjoyed monthly discussions at the Coffee, Books and More Book Club at the Mount Prospect Public Library.

A beloved matriarch, Joan always enjoyed bringing family and friends together. She planned and hosted many family gatherings, and taught tai chi to an intimate group of friends at her home. Through her excellent judgement she provided guidance and counsel to others, encouraging them in their pursuits. She inspired everyone with her positive outlook and ability to find joy no matter what life threw at her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to Special Olympics Illinois, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761, or via http://www.soill.org, would be greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship, 946 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305. Light refreshments will be available after the service. Attendees with accessibility concerns should be aware of the need to negotiate stairs.