Joanne Chequer Pfaff, age 91, passed away peacefully April 8, 2022, with her daughter Charlotte Pfaff at her side in Anaconda, MT. She is survived by her brother John H. (Bess) Chequer, 3 children Tony (Deborah) Pfaff of Bemidji, MN, Esther Pfaff of Gunnison, CO, Charlotte Pfaff of Anaconda, MT, and 2 grandsons John H. and Garrett T. Pfaff of Bemidji, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 63 years John A. Pfaff, and 2 infant daughters Sophia and Julia Pfaff.
Joanne moved to Anaconda, MT, in 2020 after living in Princeton, IL, for 22 years where she and her husband were active members of St. Louis Catholic Church. John and Joanne were former residents of St. Charles, IL, for 60 years where they raised their family and were members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Joanne was born in Utica, NY, to Hamilton L. and Francis D. Chequer on November 16, 1930. Her parents owned Melody Lodge in Speculator, NY, in the Adirondack Mountains. She graduated from high school in Gloversville, NY and attended St. Lawrence University where she completed her major in Spanish and received her bachelor’s degree in 1952. She graduated as her class Valedictorian. She became a member of Pi Beta Phi and was captain of the women’s ski team at St. Lawrence University. After graduation, she toured Europe and skied in the Swiss Alps. She married John A. Pfaff, Jr. in St. Francis Mission Church, Lake Pleasant, NY, in 1954. After marrying, they moved to Greenwich Village, NY, where she worked in NYC at Dictaphone Corporation. When they moved to St. Charles, IL, Joanne worked at State Bank, as secretary of St. John Neumann’s Catholic Church, and then at the Little Traveler in Geneva. She enjoyed volunteering at DelNor Hospital and teaching Catechism at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. When they moved to Princeton, IL, she continued to volunteer at Perry Memorial Hospital and teaching Catechism at St. Louis Catholic Church.
Joanne is fondly remembered for her bubbly personality, generous spirit, and kind, gracious attitude. She loved her family, Melody Lodge, downhill skiing, and was always up for an adventure.
A celebration of life will be held Labor Day weekend in Princeton, IL with a visitation at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home Thursday, Sept. 1 from 4-6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church on Friday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joanne.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Joanne and her family.
Vicky DeMay says
My sincere condolences to all of Joanne’s family. I will always remember your mother’s beautiful smile. She and your dad always sat in front of my husband and I at Mass. I miss them and my husband who passed in February 2021. I look forward to seeing all of them in Heaven.
Carolyn Ward says
I have many fond memories of working with Joanne at State Bank of St. Charles. I am sad to hear of her passing. May the memories of times shared with Joanne comfort all those who grew to love her. Many Blessings.