Joan B. Dechert, nee Schreiner, 86, passed away on July 18th after a brief illness. Born July 14, 1931 in Chicago, Ilinois, Joan was very active in the community. She was instrumental in the development of the Prairie View Community Center, and worked at the racquetball desk for several years. She was active in the local schools, and served as a member of the Board of Education for Niles Township High School District 219 and Golf School District 67. She also served as a Village of Morton Grove Trustee for eight years, from 1977 to 1984. She was the 1974 Morton Grove Life Woman of the Year Runner Up, and received The Distinguished Service Award from Golf School for her service from 1991-1999. Beloved wife of the late Edward; loving mother of Nancy (Alan) Swirsley and David (Catherine); dear grandmother of Nicole, Adam, Nicholas, and Nathan; fond "adopted" mother of Kathy Colby; "adopted" grandmother of Ashlee (Michael) Schmitz and Jake Colby; "adopted" great grandmother of Jason and Lucas. Funeral service Wednesday, July 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St. Morton Grove, IL 60053. Interment Ascension Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, July 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Chicago Lighthouse 1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608 appreciated. (847) 965-2500