Joan Weinberger Duncan Obituary

December 14, 2018

Maggie Conant wrote a sympathy message

“The day I met Joan was the day we moved in next door to her a little over a year ago. We became fast friends as I learned she was my doctor's mother. I told her I switched insurances three times to keep him! She spoke so highly of both of her sons. She seemed an unlikely friend but in retrospect she turned out to be my best friend. In the morning as I got in the car to go to work she would just get in the car..... I thought, O.K. - I will take you where you need to go! She would say, "Sure is a nice car!." Practically every morning I drove her to the donut shop "down the hill." Because she didn't drive. On those short morning drives we shared so much about life. Some mornings she imparted such wisdom to me that after I dropped her off I would cry. Cry at the rawness of her wisdom and her willingness to be so candid with me. I always thought her smile lit up the room. I baked her cookies, I made chicken dumpling soup for her, I would bake chicken on Sundays and make a plate for her. When her kitchen was being remodeled she asked if I had ever microwaved a steak! My husband bbq'd her a nice big steak and she was so delighted. She would often come over for dinner and we would sit and talk about her life in Wilmette. When I started arranging flowers, she would get my "test" arrangements. I would just leave them on her porch. She was so delighted and complimentary. She wrote me the sweetest notes and placed them in my mail slot. I still have all of them. She encouraged me in everything I did. I missed her when she moved to the nursing home. I mostly missed our morning talks - but I visited her every week. When I entered her room she would beam and announce to anyone with her, "This Is my dear friend!" Every time I left she would take my hand and tell me to be good. As I walked to the door I would always say - "I love you Joan" and she would say - "I love you too!" I am so sad that my dear friend passed away on Monday. I will really miss her. My life is so full for having known her and I am so thankful for her love. Sleep in heavenly Peace. I love you Joan. Maggie”