Joanne Irene (Howard) Boppart, 84

Joanne Irene (Howard) Boppart, 84, of Harvard, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Feb. 25, 2026. She was born on May 28, 1941, in Harvard, the daughter of George and Ellen (Walsh) Howard.

Joanne earned her master’s degree in business education from Northern Illinois University. On June 13, 1964, she married the love of her life, Eugene Boppart, at St. Patrick Church in Hartland. Together, they celebrated 61 beautiful years of marriage. Joanne and her husband, Eugene, had three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren with a third great-grandchild on the way. Joanne is survived by her children, Gina (Jim) McConoughey, Michelle Boppart (Jon), Howard (Gina) Boppart; grandchildren, Elizabeth McConoughey, Spencer Ocean, James (Nicole) Militello, Mary (David) Ferlmann, Johannes Boppart, Luke Boppart, Anna (Owen) Jones, and Eli Boppart; and great-grandchildren, Avery Militello and Mason Militello. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Howard. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, who died Oct. 2, 2023.

Joanne lived life to the fullest and made the best of every day she was given. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, whom she loved deeply. Joanne liked working outside in the fresh air, playing sports, and traveling. She was quick-witted and as sharp as a tack. Always up for fun, Joanne was extremely proud to be 100% Irish; the twinkle in her eyes and her fun-loving nature made her the life of the party. Everybody was always welcomed in her home; she was blessed with many true, lifelong friends.

Joanne was the proud owner of Boppart Real Estate. Her honesty and knowledge of the value of land earned her the respect of numerous repeat clients. She was trustworthy, extremely hardworking, loyal, and a straight shooter. Joanne had a heart of gold and was always willing to go the extra mile to help others. 

Memorial visitation and Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until family eulogies at 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will begin at noon noon. Interment at St. Patrick Catholic cemetery will be private and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Joanne would have insisted you buy flowers for your own Mom instead. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15012 St. Patrick Road, Woodstock, IL 60098.