JoAnn Marshall Farmer

JoAnn Marshall Farmer, nee Santiago, age 65 of Warrenville, Illinois passed away the morning of Tuesday, February 27th, of a sudden heart attack while admitted for a non-life threatening procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

JoAnn was born on August 31st, 1952 in Manhattan, New York.  She was the only child of Ramon Santiago and Mary Nicoll of Manhattan, New York.

JoAnn grew up in New York City.  Her mother regularly pretended they were visitors to give JoAnn a cultural education of the city.  JoAnn attended the School of Performing Arts for two years.  After the passing of her father, the family moved to Burlington, Vermont.  It was there that JoAnn graduated from Burlington High School. She studied at the University of Vermont, but had to end her studies when she and her mother moved to Washington D.C.  She lived there until her mid-twenties.  At that point, JoAnn moved to Illinois while Mary moved to Florida. 

On November 25th, 2008 JoAnn married her best friend, and sweetheart of 13 years, Brian Blake Farmer in Kissimmee, Florida.

JoAnn had a passion for rescuing animals.  She would travel across the country to help an animal in need.  She often described herself as a “failed” foster.  Once an animal came into JoAnn and Brian’s home, it moved into their hearts as well.  They lovingly took care of many animals until they crossed the rainbow bridge. JoAnn was active in Retired Greyhounds as Pets (REGAP).  They had monthly meetings to make scrapbooks of all the rescued dogs.  Scrapbooking became a great avenue for preserving memories, especially of her grandkids in which she found great joy. 

In addition to her husband, JoAnn is survived by step-children, Brian Patrick Farmer of Winfield, IL; Blake Thomas Farmer and wife Malee Ann of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Adelia Marie and Austin Patrick Farmer and close friend, Bill W.

JoAnn was a Claims Specialist at ICW (Insurance Company of the West) Group in Naperville, Illinois, and had previously worked at Travelers Insurance.  She had many friends that supported her while she fought cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a memorial donation to REGAP of Illinois, and/or Animal House Shelter, of Huntley, Illinois.

Visitation for JoAnn will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Williams-Woodward Funeral Home, 820 Pine Street, West Chicago, IL 60185. 

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