Joan Kirwan

Joan Caroline Kirwan

Joan Caroline (Stevens) Kirwan, 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Siena on Brendenwood. Born September 12, 1937, in Belmont, WI, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Rowe) Stevens. In 1946 Helen married Leo Willi and they moved to Darlington, WI. Joan attended Darlington High School, Class of 1955, where she met Thomas John “T.K.” Kirwan. They never dated until Tom returned home from the Navy and moved to Rockford for a job. She attended Elmhurst College and was a former employee of Woodward Governor. They were married on February 1, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, and were blessed with two children. Survivors include her son, Patrick Joseph Kirwan of Sun City West, AZ; daughter, Anita Rose Burkholder of Machesney Park, IL; grandchildren, Jonna Marie (James Anderson) Kirwan, Sydney Rose (Jacob Burke) Kirwan, and Kelsey Lee-Marie (Alex) Goellner; great-grandchildren, Neleh Jane Marie Kirwan, Cabella Rose Burke, and Lucas William Goellner. Additional members of the Kirwan Klan include, Shari Kirwan, Bill (Penny) Burkholder, and many close friends. Predeceased by her parents and husband. Special thanks to her many newly acquired friendships at Siena on Brendenwood. Additional thanks to Dr. Shaukat, NP Jeff Boyd, and OSF Cancer Team for an extra year with family and friends; Transitions Hospice team members Heather Hartman, Erika, Aaron, Mandi, Natasha, Analyn, Dakota and Lona; Visiting Angels at Siena, Keri and Ericka, who assisted with Joan’s needs.

Service at 2 p.m. Monday, June 5, 2023, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL, with visitation from noon to service. Joan will be interred at Scottish Argyle Cemetery with her husband’s cremains with her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions Hospice.