Joanne L. Hitchcock

Joanne L. Hitchcock (Mama), age 84, passed away peacefully early morning on October 23, 2025, at Serenity Hospice Home of natural causes. She was born on July 2, 1941, in Chana, IL, the daughter of Miley and Mary (Suter) Gilroy.

Joanne married Gerald “Jerry” Hitchcock on December 17, 1966, and together they built a beautiful life full of good times, lasting memories, and cherished friendships until his passing on March 3, 2023.

A firm believer in an honest day’s work, Joanne dedicated herself to every job she took on. She worked for several years at Caron Spinning, Maxon’s Manor, and Spiros, making lifelong friends—especially Debbie White and many others—along the way.

Her passion for cooking led her to own and operate Mama’s Family Restaurant in Oregon, IL, where she served not only delicious food but also her community. Joanne had a heart of gold and often made sure those in need had a warm meal, even if they couldn’t afford it. One time she provided coffee, drinks and fresh sandwiches for the firefighters who took on the fire at the Art Casting Foundry next to her restaurant location at 1st street and Madison and she wasn’t even open for business.

She was a talented crocheter for many years, creating beautiful handmade pieces that she sold by word of mouth and at the local hospitals gift shops. Her pieces were in such high demand that she could hardly keep up with requests.

Joanne loved the outdoors — she and Jerry spent many happy years camping at Woodhaven Lakes. She loved mushroom hunting for morels and fishing on the Rock River. She loved watching birds and squirrels from their patio, that she lovingly called her Lanai, where she and Jerry enjoyed their nightly beer and campfire. A special shout out to the Eastside neighbors and the neighborhood children she treated like her own. Lots of good times were had.

She also had a beautiful singing voice and loved country music, especially Loretta Lynn. Above all, Joanne loved her family deeply. She was a devoted grandmother who enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren —Bobby (Keli), (Courtney) and J.J.—and her great-grandchildren Kiana, Brently, and Hannah; along with many nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Jason (Dana) Hitchcock who always lended her a helping hand.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; and siblings Kimberly Alderks, Harlene Alderks, Lavonna “Pete” Jesse Gilroy, and sister-in-laws Awanda Gilroy, Sylvia Gilroy, brother-in-law Bob Crossen.

She is survived and dearly missed by her children: Rhonda Hitchcock-Mast (Dereck Mast) of Phoenix, AZ; Jonette (Brian) Steffa of Oregon, IL; Jim Hitchcock of Hillsdale, IL;

three loving step children Julie (Jason) White of Mt. Morris, IL; Joyce (Scott) Weems of Clearbrook, MN; and Teresa Baylor of Oregon, IL. She is also survived by her siblings Judy (Russel) Castle of Dixon, IL; Mike Gilroy (Carol Farwell) of Dixon, IL; Kevin (Dione) Alderks of Freeport, IL; Dawn (David) Fitzgerald of Polo, IL; and Jim Gilroy of Columbus, IN.

Per her wishes, no services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held in July 2026. Memorials may be directed to the family.