By Dee Longfellow
FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
Another of Elmhurst’s outstanding citizens has passed on.
Joan Crabtree Bates, beloved wife of the late Alben F. “Pete” Bates, Jr., passed away on Jan. 25, 2024, at her Elmhurst home. She was the loving mother of Frederick (Janis), Josephine (the late David) Prasil, Angelique, Peter (Jamie) and the late Victoria Joan; proud Grandmere of Georgia, Ella, and Ian Bates; Daniel, Paul, Victoria, and Matthew Prasil; and Madeline, Benjamin, Caroline, and Margaret Bates; dear sister of Barbara Michaels; fond aunt of many nieces and a nephew.
Joan was born in Oak Park on May 9, 1928, to Dr. Joseph P. and Rosalie M. (nee Sullivan) Crabtree. Joan attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and graduated from York High School in 1946. She then attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago, graduating with the Class of 1949.
As her first appointment, Joan worked as a surgical nurse at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital. Later she assisted her father in his medical practice located on the upper floor of the former Elmhurst National Bank. The first-floor northwest corner of the bank that housed the old Rexall Drug Store and soda fountain is where Joan and her husband Alben (Pete) were first introduced to one another by her father. They married six months later and enjoyed an enviable life-long union of love, kindness, mutual respect, and laughter. Family life was central and multiple generations enjoyed many memorable travels and road trips together, especially to Joan’s beloved destinations in New Orleans French Quarter, Savannah, and Charleston.
Her surviving children and grandchildren have so many fond memories enjoying summers together at Lake Geneva, Wisc. They feel so blessed to have had such a loving mother and Grandmere, a guiding force and a positive role model for their lives. Joan will be remembered also for her beauty, grace, and iconic style, sense of humor, and love for her Bichons. Joan will be dearly missed by so many, who will remain comforted knowing she is now reunited with her many loved ones in Heaven. The family is especially grateful for the loving compassion provided by the caregivers of “Team Joan.”
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
