Joanne M. McMasters

Joanne M. McMasters, 82, Woodstock, died Friday, May 8, 2015, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock.

She was born Nov. 4, 1932, to Leslie and Lucy (Dozark) Knapp, in Aurora, Iowa. 

In 1960, she married Robert McMasters in Iowa. 

She was a graduate of Aurora High School where she was valedictorian and proud to be named to the Iowa All-State girls basketball team. 

She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from St. Ambrose College and worked as a registered nurse.

The McMasters lived in Minnesota and Houston before settling in Woodstock in 1997. 

She was a devoted mom and adoring grandmother. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. She bravely fought through many health struggles, never losing her courage and optimism. She was loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her husband; five sons, Richard L. McMasters, James W. (Nanette Norton) McMasters, Thomas L. (Catherine Miller) McMasters, Kevin N. (Elizabeth) McMasters, Daniel R. (Malgorzata) McMasters; and three grandchildren, Caelan, Stefania and Ian McMasters.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Leslie, Norbert and Richard.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., until the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1724 Woodstock, IL 60098.

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.