Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Unitarian Church of Evanston

                                          Joan Ruth Seever Taylor (1934-2024)


Joan Ruth Seever Taylor, a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, passed away peacefully on June 22nd, 2024, in Towson, Maryland, at the age of 90. Born in Chicago on January 29th, 1934, Joan lived a full and vibrant life, leaving her mark on the communities of Elgin, Lombard, and Evanston.
 
Earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago, Joan dedicated her career to serving others, including 13 years as the Executive Director of the DuPage Senior Citizens Council.
 
Predeceased by her husband, Don L. Taylor, Joan is survived by her brother, Paul Milton Seever (married to Pegatha Linda Hughes); daughters, Christina Irene Collins (married to Michael Robert Collins) and Wendy Joan Taylor (married to La Sarmiento); and grandsons, Sebastian Bard Collins and Joshua Michael Collins.
 
Beyond her family and career, Joan was an adventurer at heart. She led trips, starting with the American Youth Hostels organization in 1960. Joan shared her passion for the outdoors, leading over 100 canoe trips for Prairie State Canoeists and organizing over 50 women's hiking adventures domestically and abroad. Additionally, Joan actively participated in local chapters of the League of Women Voters for over 50 years, demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement. Joan was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church.
 
Joan will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, adventurous nature, generosity, and thoughtfulness.


Celebration of Life:

Saturday, July 20 at 1 p.m. Central Time

Virtual option: <a Href ="https://youtube.com/live/wXnPis8RvRo?feature=share"> Click Here</a>

In person option: Unitarian Church of Evanston

<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/1330+Ridge+Ave,+Evanston,+IL+60201/@42.0423031,-87.6889801,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fd01a60be9455:0xd5626bf6687d91ab!8m2!3d42.0423031!4d-87.6889801!16s%2Fg%2F11b8z83hx4?entry=ttu" >1330 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201</a>



Followed by a reception at the church and an optional walk or drive to see Mom's memorial at Cynthia's garden: <a href = "https://www.google.com/maps/place/1025+Ridge+Ct,+Evanston,+IL+60202/@42.0368206,-87.6883625,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fd0183b370049:0xff948a56fd89914d!8m2!3d42.0368206!4d-87.6883625!16s%2Fg%2F11c5f4w53_?entry=ttu">1025 Ridge Court, Evanston, IL 60202</a>



Memorial Walk by the Lakefront:

Hosted by Mary Watters, Christina Collins and Wendy Taylor

Sunday, July 21 at 9 a.m.

Meet in the lower level of the Lakeside Parking Structure at 1847 Campus Dr., Evanston, just north of the Segal Visitor Center (not the parking ramp integral to the visitor center itself). This is at the South Campus Entrance, a block north of Sheridan Rd., where Sheridan takes a bend at Clark Street Beach. 

<a href = "https://maps.app.goo.gl/zx2KFbDYeRGmKaWY8" >Map Here</a>

Please bring water. 

Christina will be our point of contact. Please reach out to her with questions. There is no need to confirm, but feel free to do so so that we know you are coming. Christina can be reached via email or cell phone: peace4368@gmail.com or 312-203-8950






















Donations can be made to <a href="https://www.conservationfund.org/donate">The Conservation Fund</a> and <a href="https://refugeeone.org/">RefugeeOne</a>.


Joan Ruth Taylor

Joan Ruth Taylor

Joan Taylor Services

Celebration of Life