Joan Erickson left us on Wednesday, April 15th 2015. She was the fifth child (5 minutes older than her twin sister) of nine, born to Aldona and Richard in Oklahoma City, OK..

As a sister, she never failed to stick up for her siblings, even if that meant standing up to the mean boys in school. When she wasn't keeping the bullies in check, she was pretending to be a ballerina...such a diverse imagination.

Joanie insisted on graduating high school in 3 years to start her life adventures early by moving to Tucson. It was there that she fell in love with travel which eventually influenced her decision to become a travel agent.  This gave her the opportunity to experience more of the world that she longed to see.

Joanie loved and lived art and was always the happiest and most at peace when she was painting, sculpting, or sharing thoughts on artists and what that might mean . Her works hang proudly in many homes of the people who loved her most. She loved Joni Mitchell and especially Van Morrisons "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?".

Her role as an Aunt was one that she devoted much time and love to and her generosity and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone in her life.  Those that have known her over the years will attest to her creativity and free spirit.

She most recently lived in Carol Stream, IL and is survived by her husband, William Hayes and his children Jenny, Kim, and David. She is also survived by Aunt Joann (aka Auntie Joanie); brothers: Rick, Bill, Tom and wife Angela, and Jim and (ex-wife but forever a sister-in-law) Sylvia; sisters: Sandy and husband Joe, Patti and husband Barry, Linda and Dan, and Janice; nephews: Michael, Nick, Tom and wife Sara, Steven and wife Katie, Billy, Jimmy and wife Melissa, Casey, and Daniel; nieces: Jennifer and husband Charles, Cerisse and husband Nick, and JoAnne; great-nephew Liam; great-nieces: Alanna, Hayley, Carena, and Jillian; cousin: Michael and wife Laura; and second cousin: David.

We will all miss you terribly Joanie and we wish you peacefulness in your eternal home.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until the start of a memorial service to be held at 5:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. Interment will be private.