The CHART community is deeply saddened by the passing of Joan Zernich, a valued member of our Community Advisory Panel. Joan served with dedication since the panel’s launch in December 2022, offering thoughtful insights that significantly shaped the research conducted by CHART affiliates. Her feedback was invaluable, and her contributions played a key role in guiding and strengthening our work.
Joan’s life was defined by service, learning, and community. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and spent 19 years at Carle Medical, impacting countless lives. Her commitment to giving back extended beyond her career. She was a volunteer with the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, United Way, and the League of Women Voters, and served as president of the Executive Club of Champaign County.
Her dedication to lifelong learning and mentorship was evident through her involvement with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, WILL Community Advisory Committee, Illinois Promise, and the CFECI Grants Committee in addition to her CHART contributions. (Read more about her here: https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Joan-Zernich)
We are grateful for the time we shared with Joan. Her warmth, wisdom, and generosity will be deeply missed.