She was a musician, an active volunteer and known as the 'bread lady' for her endless supply of pumpkin and poppy seed breads to anyone who needed a pickme- up.
The late Joanne Findley, who passed away Nov. 27, 2019, at the age of 91, will be honored Oct. 1 by the Macomb Woman's Club GFWC, with the 10th annual 'Facing the Storm' Award, which is given annually to a woman, posthumously, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts during her lifetime.
Findley, an accomplished flautist, completed her undergraduate degree in music education from Drake University, while raising four daughters. After earning her degree, she taught thousands of children in multiple schools in Des Moines, IA and Macomb.
After her husband, Bob, passed away in 1968, she completed her master's degree at Western Illinois University while continuing to raise three teenage daughters on her own and teaching elementary music and private piano lessons until her retirement in 1985.
In her community, Findley served as the director for multiple choirs at First Presbyterian Church and also started the church's handbell program. She was an active member of P.E.O. for 59 years, including organizing the Macomb chapter; delivered Meals on Wheels for several years, and was involved in establishing Macomb's annual Clean-Up Day.
'We are so excited about Joanne being selected for this year's 'Facing the Storm' award by the Macomb Woman's Club. She so loved this community and the people, and her actions over the years were a clear reflection of that love. Whether it be nurturing a child's musical creativity, teaching them to sing, play the piano, perform in those wonderful Christmas programs and as adults, encouraging more singing and playing different instruments, even handbells. Beyond the music, she was wellknown for her love of nature, from taking care of flowers at the depot, the cemetery or the Country Club, saving trees that may be beyond repair and encouraging new trees to be planted at numerous locations, and of course picking up trash,' Findley's family shared with The Community News Brief. 'She loved the people in the community, always eager to help wherever possible. Joanne didn't know how to say 'no' and she loved being able to help people, either by filling their bellies, quenching their thirst, comforting them with a hug, sending notes of encouragement or thanks, finding the smallest things to celebrate or being active in local organizations. Her actions over the years touched so many in positive ways that we, and all the communities where she lived, have benefited. May we all learn from this teacher and pay her love and humanity forward.'
Findley was an active member of the Macomb Beautiful Association; Macomb Tree Board; Delta Kappa Gamma; Macomb Woman's Club; Western Illinois University's Performing Arts Society and the Western Illinois Museum. Her love for nature awarded her the nickname of 'trash lady' for her efforts to clean up litter from Macomb's streets, sidewalks and trails. She also brought vitality to Wesley Village, where she lived in later years.
'Joanne brought life and energy to Wesley Village in everything she did. She always had a spark for new ideas and fun activities, and her most memorable contribution was introducing 'Bean Bag Baseball,' a tradition that continues to bring joy and laughter to our residents,' said Shelli Martin, Wesley Village CEO. 'Though Joann has passed, her spirit lives on across our campus, reminding us every day of the joy, creativity and love she shared with us all.'
The Macomb Woman's Club first 'Facing the Storm' Award was given posthumously to Mary Ewing (1906-2001). Other recipients over the years include Lucille Gibson, Viletta Hillery, Ruth Parks, Women of the Suffrage Movement, Alta Sargent, Ruth Watts, Andrea Bowen and Melissa Inman.
To qualify, award recipients must be born after 1900 and distinguish themselves by generously and voluntarily giving of their time and efforts. Findley's name will be added to a plaque honoring past recipients, which is on display at Macomb City Hall.
On Sept. 12, 2015, the Macomb Woman's Club dedicated the McDonough County Women's Social Services Memorial on the west side of Chandler Park, 'Facing the Storm,' which honors, memorializes and celebrates women in Macomb. The bronze statue and monument memorialize women who made it their life's work to protect children, women and animals before laws and societal norms were in place to do so.
The eight women named on the monument benefitted the Macomb community by stepping out and making a difference: Rose Jolly, Josie Westfall, Dr. Elizabeth Miner, Dr. Ruth Tunnicliff, Rebecca Everly, Sadie Moon, Lida Crabb and Clara Bayliss.
The GFWC Macomb Woman's Club was established Feb. 20, 1928.
