JoAnn Edwards

JoAnn Edwards, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in her home in Crestwood, Illinois, where she resided for nearly 40 years.JoAnn was born on July 5, 1951, in Huntsville, Alabama, to Elvis and Mary Edwards. Much of her childhood was spent in Alabama and Harvey, Illinois. After having her two children, Christopher (1970) and Ryan (1978), she began her beloved career in medicine as an echocardiographer. JoAnn spent many years on staff at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Medical Center and became a respected staple in her field. She was frequently invited to teach at institutions such as Northwestern and UIC, which she did with great passion and enthusiasm. She loved caring for people and had a natural gift for passing on her knowledge to new generations of echo technicians as they entered the profession. JoAnn is survived by her two sons, Christopher (Missy) Kamykowski and his children, Keaton, Tag, and Reese, of The Woodlands, Texas; and Ryan (Kristin) Kamykowski and his children, Brady and Adeline, of Clarkston, Michigan. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley (Dennis) Weddington of Hammond, Indiana, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvis and Mary Edwards of New Market, Alabama; her sister, Myra Golec; and her brothers, Rick and Michael Edwards. JoAnn was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. She loved movies and dive bars. She admired strong female characters like Sgt. Ripley from Aliens and Sarah Connor from The Terminator—women who were tough, something she deeply valued. She was devoted to her grandchildren, marveled at their growth, and gave each of them her full attention as the supportive and loving “Gramma” they all adored. JoAnn was a Christian and valued prayer immensely. She often let others know she was praying for them and believed deeply that God listened closely when two or more people prayed together. She will be deeply missed and remembered for the love she poured into everyone she knew. Friends are invited to visit with JoAnn’s family for a Memorial Service on Sunday, January 18, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. at Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, 7607 W. U.S. Highway 30, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. A luncheon for family and friends will follow.