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Libertyville's Joanne Boehm remembered for community work

Longtime Libertyville resident Joanne Boehm is being remembered as a community volunteer, a dedicated church parishioner and a patron of the arts.

"I don't think there was anything she didn't do," said Bonnie Quirke, president of the Libertyville-based Cook Memorial Public Library District board. "And she did everything with great class and grace."

Boehm, 78, died Friday.

Born Joanne Kathleen Bielat, she was named the first Lake County Fair queen in 1956.

The following year she married George Boehm, who went on to serve on the Cook Memorial library board.

Professionally, Boehm was a first-grade teacher at Copeland Manor School in Libertyville. In the 1970s, she led a renovation committee for the David Adler Music and Arts Center in Libertyville and oversaw the historic building's rehabilitation.

She served as the center's president as well.

Boehm also operated a local business called Balloon Productions.

Additionally, Boehm was a lector at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville. She led the parish's bereavement ministry and helped lead a religious education program there.

The church was an "integral" part of Boehm's life, Quirke said.

Boehm also helped organize Carmel Catholic High School's Street Scenes variety show and fundraiser.

Lake County Board member Carol Calabresa called Boehm "a woman ahead of her time" because of her many leadership roles.

"I think Lake County and Libertyville are special because of our volunteers. And she did it in so many different ways," said Calabresa, of Libertyville. "She did it educationally and she did it culturally. And she was very active religiously."

In addition to her husband, Boehm's survivors include five children, 11 grandchildren and a sister.

Visitation will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville.

Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville.

Interment will be private at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville.

Donations in Boehm's name can be made to the St. Joseph Church Bereavement Ministry.

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