Obituary: Joan M. Cummings (nee Odenthal)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Joan M. Cummings (nee Odenthal)

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Joan M. Cummings (nee Odenthal), age 94, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet.

Joan was born on September 30, 1931, in Joliet, to Richard K. and Gertrude M. (nee Odenthal) Hanley, Sr. She attended St. Patrick’s grade school and later attended St. Francis Academy. In her younger years, Joan trained horses and won numerous awards and medals. As an avid animal lover throughout her life, Joan began grooming animals and later began breeding Boston Terriers and Poodles.

Joan enjoyed life and was a wonderful dancer, having danced professionally with her late former husband and friend, Eli, usually to big band selections. She was known to always love a good party. Most importantly, family was everything to her. She was very proud of every single grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild.

Joan is survived by her beloved children, Michael (Cindy) Orasco and Dawn Barr; four grandchildren, Traci (Lawrence) Jungles, Melinda (the late Marc Hunter) Barr, LeAnn (Todd) Maland, and Shannon Barr; 10 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, John “Jack” Cummings; one granddaughter, Jayme Barr; her great-granddaughter, Ashley Barr; her brother, Richard K. Hanley, Jr.; and one nephew, Billy Hanley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Visitation for Joan M. Cummings will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. in Joliet, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Joliet. Per Joan’s request, cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at , where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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