Obituary: Joan Lou O’Rear

Joan Lou O’Rear of New Berlin passed away at the age of 91 years on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 27, 1921 the daughter of Chester Robert and Lou Etta (Davis) Ferguson. Joan attended the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, N.Y. studying Acting and Theater Arts where some of her classmates were Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Gregory Peck, Tony Randall and Eli Wallach. She was united in marriage to Joseph Lucas O’Rear on May 3, 1942 at the Washington Square Methodist Church in Greenwich Village. Joan and Joseph made their home in Sioux Falls, S.D., Windsor Field, Utah, Grand Island NE, where she had been employed by  J.C. Penney. They also lived in New York City, N.Y. where she had been employed at a printers publishing house. They later made their home in Frankfort, IN, and Michiana Shores, IN.

While living in Homewood, IL, Joan was a Drama Instructor at Don Brassie School of Dance. She produced and directed plays for the Homewood Women’s Club, where her group won first place many times in state competition. She was a 24 year volunteer at Oak Forest Community Hospital  assisting long term care patients with writing poetry as well as participating in the hospital’s televised bingo. She was also in charge of the annual Oak Forest Community Hospital Stage Show.

Joan had been a volunteer at a Michigan City soup kitchen as well as delivering for Meals on Wheels. Joan enjoyed dancing, spending time outdoors especially walking to the beach and enjoying nature, cooking and entertaining, acting and spending time with her family and friends especially in both Homewood, IL. and Michiana Shores, IN. Joan followed  her Christian Science faith throughout her life.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Joseph; two daughters, Mary Michele of Lake Bluff, IL and Annetta Hubata of Waukesha, WI, two grandchildren, Lauren Pyburn of Corvallis, OR and David Tobey of Chicago, IL one great-granddaughter, Kate Pyburn. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Mary Griffin; four brothers, Richard, William, Henry and Robert Ferguson.

In accordance with Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at a later date in Michigan City, IN.

Cesarz, Charapata, & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-planning Services is serving the family. For an online obituary or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneral, or call 262-542-6609.