Joan Lavonda Christie

Joan L. Christie, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on March 30, 1942, in Hastings, Michigan, Joan was the beloved daughter of Jesse and Doris (Belson) Blough.

Joan was a 1960 graduate of Freeport High School and served as a librarian in her hometown of Freeport. A woman of quiet creativity, she found joy in the art of crocheting and painting, expressing warmth and beauty through every stitch and brushstroke.

Joan's life was a testament to love and commitment, as evidenced by her 63-year marriage to her devoted husband, Ben Christie. The couple exchanged vows on April 14, 1962, and together they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and an abundance of cherished memories. Joan is preceded in death by her parents and six siblings.  She is survived by her loving husband, Ben, and their children Cindy (Kevin) Barton, Ben (Julia) Christie, and LeeAnne (Mike) Krystyniak; grandchildren Casey (Jay) Nicholson, Benjamin (Naomi) Christie, Taylor (Courtney) Martenies, Haily Christie, Thomas Christie, Shayne Krystyniak, Joey Krystyniak, and Parker Christie; four great-grandchildren; and siblings Hubert (Sandy) Blough and Lorraine (Tom) McDonough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/ , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A celebration of life gathering will held at the Freeport Community Center on Sunday May 4, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.