Joan B. Lourie, 85, of Chicago, Illinois died peacefully on June 7, 2018, at Northbrook Inn in Northbrook, Illinois. Born on May 8, 1933 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she is predeceased by her parents, Samuel M. and Katherine G. (Linsky) Beckel of Scranton, PA and Albuquerque, New Mexico, her brother Charles L. Beckel of Albuquerque, NM her son-in-law, Morris Benatar of Atlanta, Georgia. Joan was a warm, caring and joyful mother and grandmother, and found her professional calling as a psychotherapist, having returned to school for a master’s degree in education and counseling after her children were raised. Joan loved travelling and the sun, and enjoyed her annual trips to Isla Mujeres, Mexico each winter with her large group of therapist friends until a few years before her passing. Survivors include a son, Alexander (Mary Beth) Lourie of Northbrook, IL; a daughter, Diane Benatar of Alpharetta, GA; four grandchildren, each of whom remain convinced that they were her favorite, including three granddaughters, Leah (David) Gordon of Atlanta, GA; Katherine Lourie of Chicago, IL and Caroline Lourie of Northbrook, IL and a grandson, Dr. Steven (Taylor) Benatar of Atlanta, GA; a great-grandson, Michael Gordon of Atlanta, GA; a sister-in-law, Josephine Beckel of Albuquerque, NM; eight nieces and two nephews, as well as fond memories of numerous Collies and one odd Kerry Blue Terrier. A private memorial service will be held for family members, but the family will welcome condolence calls at the home of Sandy and Mary Beth Lourie, 3517 Dauphine Ave. in Northbrook on Sunday, June 10 from 3pm-7pm, and at the home of Diane Benatar in Alpharetta at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the College of Education Fund at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Office of University Development, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223 www.advancement.uncc.edu/giving-and-donor-relations. Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824, or www.mitzvahfunerals.com

Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824, or www.mitzvahfunerals.com