Joan Doree Gilliland

Joan Doree Sayman Gilliland, age 94, of Lombard, IL, passed peacefully into eternal life on October 26, 2025. Born on May 19, 1931, in White Plains, NY, she was the beloved daughter of John and Lillian Sayman and the youngest of three, welcomed by her twin sisters Claire and Charlotte.

Joan was raised in White Plains in the home built by her father. While attending White Plains High School, she met her future husband, Richard “Dick” Gilliland. They married on December 28, 1952, and shared 67 years together. Over the decades, Joan and Dick made homes in Norfolk, VA (while Dick served in the Navy), White Plains, NY, Park Ridge, NJ, and eventually settled in the Chicago area, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her four children, Susan Barker (Michael); Patricia Gibson (Stephen); Virginia Mahoney (Richard); and John Gilliland (Lenore). She was a cherished grandmother to nine: Andrew and Eric Barker; Jonathan and Willis Gibson; Meghan (Mahoney) Drapal and Patrick Mahoney; Jack, Finn and Haymanot Gilliland. It was her joy to become a great-grandmother to Bowie, Dylan and Bennett Barker; Oliver Drapal; and Murphy and Keely Mahoney, who was born the day before Joan’s passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and her sisters Claire and Charlotte.

Throughout their years together, Joan and Dick treasured their visits to the East Coast to visit family and spend summers on Block Island, RI. They spent many winters in Pompano Beach, FL, where they formed lasting friendships. Their love of travel took them to exotic locations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, China, Russia, and the Nordic countries. In 2012, they made their final move to Beacon Hill retirement community in Lombard, IL.

Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a warm, dependable friend to many. A talented golfer and accomplished seamstress, she crafted many of her children’s clothes and costumes. In her later years, she studied art and created beautiful works that are treasured by her family.

Above all, Joan was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Beacon Hill Retirement Community, 2400 S. Finley Road, Lombard, IL 60418.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the Northern Illinois Food Bank.