Joan (Jody) Huene Simonds, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 30, 2024, at the age of 96. Joan was born in Chicago on July 14, 1928, to Dorothy and Nevin Huene. Her life was one of adventure, creativity, and deep compassion, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Joan’s early years were marked by the upheaval of World War II, during which her family moved frequently as her father, a doctor, was transferred to various military bases on the East Coast. As a result, Joan attended five different high schools before settling at Northwestern University, where she graduated with a degree that would launch a successful career in the world of publishing and advertising. She worked for Sunset Magazine and later at the renowned ad agency, Foote Cone & Belding, in Chicago, where her creativity and professionalism shone brightly.
One of Joan’s greatest joys in life was a two-month adventure she took with her dear friend Alice aboard an ocean-going liner to Europe. This trip, which Joan described as the “trip of a lifetime,” sparked her love for travel and exploration, experiences that she would continue to cherish throughout her life.
Joan tragically lost her first husband, Willam Garrigues, a talented commercial artist, who died in 1960. She and her son William forged on while she maintained their home in Lake Bluff, Illinois. She assumed a teaching position at Lake Bluff Elementary and was supported by her close friend Joan “Doods” Gauntlett-Reynolds.
Joan met Robert Cole Simonds in 1961 while visiting Doods and then-husband Dexter in Lake Bluff, and they were married in 1963. Later her son William was adopted by Robert as the couple began their 30-year home in Jefferson City, Missouri, where later Eve Simonds (McKeown) joined the family. After retiring in 1998, they moved to Pier Cove, Michigan, where Joan continued to pursue her many creative interests. She was a gifted and crafty woman who excelled at upholstering, cooking, needlepoint, crewel work, painting, and gardening. She enjoyed a feisty game of Scrabble. Her artistic abilities were only matched by her culinary talents, with her lemon bars being a particular favorite among friends and family. She loved entertaining and never met a party she didn’t like.
Joan was a passionate animal lover, with a particular fondness for dogs. She was a founding member of the Heart of Missouri Humane Society, dedicating countless hours to the welfare of animals. She was also a Ready Buddy for many grade school children. Her kindness extended beyond her local community, as she knitted dog coats and bow ties for Wishbone Pet Rescue in Douglas and teddy bears for Knitting without Borders.
Joan was known for her wit, her infectious laughter, and her love of life. She had a gift for making those around her feel welcome and valued, and her presence always brightened a room. She will be remembered for her humor, her generosity, and her boundless love for those she held dear.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Eve Simonds McKeown, and son-in-law, Tim McKeown, and four grandchildren: Meredith Simonds, Cole Simonds, Grace McKeown, and Anne McKeown. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Cole Simonds, and son, William Nevin Simonds.
A Celebration of Life will be held January 11, 2025, at The Cottage in Saugatuck. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wishbone Pet Rescue in Douglas, Michigan, or Pier Cove Ravine Trust. Two causes that were near and dear to Joan’s heart.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.
