Joanne J. Ulrey

Ulrey, Joanne J.—Joanne Jacobs Ulrey, 87, passed away on December 25, 2020. Joanne was born on July 7, 1933 in Ottawa,  Illinois, the daughter of Jacob and Nellie Jacobs.

She attended Hall High School in Spring Valley Illinois, followed by a bachelor of science in nursing degree from the University of Illinois and St. Luke’s School of Nursing. Her career in nursing spanned four decades until her retirement in 1998.

She met her husband, Don Ulrey, through a mutual friend and they were married in 1965. They shared a love of travel, including visiting all 50 US states together. 

In her early career she was also a professional saxophone player who enjoyed playing in dance bands. She also enjoyed traveling, going to Ravinia, attending the opera and other concerts. She enjoyed cooking Lebanese food, gardening and following all of the Chicago sports teams along with “her Illini.” She especially loved attending sports and activities of her grandchildren. She had a profound love of life, and was known for being kind and outgoing. She could start a conversation with any stranger. Though she was an only child, she remained close to numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. She was a member of St. George Orthodox Church in Spring Valley followed by St. George Orthodox Church in Cicero, IL. 

Joanne is survived by her beloved children, John Ulrey of Park Ridge and Dr. Lisa Haller (Dr. Dave) of Mequon, WI, along with her cherished grandchildren Samantha and Nicholas. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Don. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. at St. George Orthodox Church located at 1220 S. 60th Ct. in Cicero. Interment Town of Maine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Orthodox Church in Spring Valley, IL https://www.springvalleyorthodox.com Or International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)  https://iocc.org For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne J. Ulrey, please visit our floral store.