Joan Downing Obituary

Downing, Joan (nee Forman), 69, of Evanston, died October 18 peacefully in her home with her family by her side after a year long battle with cancer. Ms. Downing was born in Minneapolis, MN to W. Chandler "Chan" and Marie Forman but spent most of her life in Evanston, a city she loved. She graduated from Evanston Township High School (ETHS) in 1952. After high school she attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she met and married Richard Earle Downing, and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Joan was the loving mother of Timothy (Pia), Julie (Kenneth) Giesen and Christopher (Jeanine), the devoted grandmother of Jennifer Giesen, Carina Downing, Alena Downing and William Downing and the dear sister of William "Bill" (Joan) Forman. As a card carrying, charter member, die-hard Cub fan since 1945, she began taking her children, Tim, Julie and Chris to Wrigley Field in 1966 just as she and her brother Bill attended games as children with their father Chan and their uncle George. In keeping with the family tradition, Joan's children and grandchildren are now also die-hard cub fans. Her longtime friend, and Cub season ticket partner, Sol Trais, who attended more than 1,000 Cub games with her, preceded Joan in death. She adored Wrigley Field and her beloved Cubbies and couldn't wait until Opening Day every April. Another legacy legacy left to her by her father was her love of books and traveling. Chan Forman enjoyed a long career as a travel writer and photographer for the Chicago Sun Times. Joan's annual "Leslie Club" reunion trips, with friends from ETHS, were always one of the high points of the year as was vacationing in Door County (Ellison Bay) WI every July for over 40 years with family and friends. Lounging on the beach, shopping, reading and dining out were some of her very favorite things to do in Door County. As a book editor, primarily for Children's Press in Chicago, her career spanned more than 40 years, focusing on books for children and educational books for schools. A few of the many books she was responsible for included the 20 volume series: People of Destiny, the 42 volume series: Enchantment Of Africa and the 52 volume series: America The Beautiful. Some of the books she worked on went on to win industry awards. Joan was also a published author of several books. Some of Joan's many other passions included concerts at Ravinia, visiting the Chicago Botanic Gardens, playing cards and board games, creating Christmas ornaments, miniature Christmas trees and Doll houses, going to Chicago for dinner and the theater (she loved musicals) eating lobster and having lunch with friends, especially Grit. Hosting and attending holiday and birthday parties were also among the things that gave her joy. She was always full of life and well loved by many. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends across the country. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 2120 Lincoln Street (corner of Lincoln & Hartrey) in Evanston (847)869-4850. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to American Lung Association, 1440 W. Washington, Chicago, IL, 60607.