Joan M. Salbego

Age 90 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Goose Lake, Illinois, died Monday, February 24, 2025 at her home.

Born January 30, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Joan Marie was the daughter of Charles Bernardini and Helen Sue (O'Connor) Rea. She was raised in Tinley Park and graduated from Thornton High School with the Class of 1953. Joan worked as an occupational therapist for several years at Oak Forest Hospital and later worked in interior decorating.

She was involved in civic organizations such as being a Dame of the Knight's Templar, and was honored to be inducted into the Order of St. Joan D'Arc for her efforts in supporting military veterans. Joan was privileged to be the Hostess for her brother, Brigadier General Patrick Rea at many of his military service events.

She was a member of Coal City United Methodist Church and found great pleasure in the arts. Joan loved music and especially painting and coloring in her later years. She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her garden as well as bird watching. Joan was fortunate enough to be surrounded by her family, living at times with four separate generations. She brought people into her life as if they were her own family, and she will be remembered for her strong faith and her kind, loving soul.

Survivors include her three daughters: Marci (Darrell) D'Agostino of Coal City, and Tammy (Dr. Gerald) Engstrom and Jammie Winsor, both of Oregon; eleven grandchildren: Eric, Shawn, Shanan, Stacy, Matthew, Jason, Ashley, Jaclyn, Bret, Janelle, and Erica; and other ten great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Barbara Salbego, and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents: Charles Bernardini and Helen (Eddie) Rea; her husband, James Andrew Salbego, whom she married on July 30, 1967; one son, Frank (Kathy) Mason, one brother, Brigadier General Patrick Rea, and one brother-in-law, Robert Salbego.

The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road, on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. 

Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral services and private inurnment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Braidwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan's memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Joan's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.