In Loving Memory of Joan Gayle Anzalone.
Joan Anzalone, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of July 21, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved husband, Dave Anzalone, and their two sons, Marc Anzalone and Doug Anzalone.
Throughout her journey, Joan faced every challenge with unwavering faith, strength, and a positive spirit. Her journey was nothing short of a miracle, as she far outlived every expectation the doctors gave her. The extra time she was blessed with became a priceless gift, allowing her to create more cherished memories with the family she loved so deeply.
Joan was born on August 10, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Walter and Helen (Yeargin) Beiter. She and her two siblings, Walter (Bud) Beiter and Janet (Beiter) Wilson, grew up in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri. The family attended Bellefontaine Methodist Church, and she attended Twillman Elementary School and Hazelwood High School. She retired from the Riverview School District. From an early age, Joan learned the importance of faith, hard work, and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Helen Beiter, and her sister, Janet Wilson.
On September 25, 1964, Joan married the love of her life, Dave Anzalone. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story started as high school sweethearts, and together they raised their two sons, Marc and Doug, and joyfully shared their life with five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In Joan's final days, she often said she had lived the best life, and those who knew her understood exactly why. Her greatest joy was always her family. Her favorite titles were Mom and Grandma, and she treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved creating memories together, especially through family vacations to St. Augustine, Florida, one of her favorite places, where the beach always felt like home. As the family grew, she delighted in bringing the extended family there as well. She also loved taking her family to Disney World, knowing the greatest gift was sharing those experiences together.
Christmas was Joan's favorite time of year. Her home was filled with delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and, most importantly, her family. She loved spoiling everyone she loved, and every year, with a smile, she would say, "I'll cut back next year," though everyone knew she never would. Whether attending sporting events, school plays, graduations, or spending hours on the phone just to catch up, Joan made each person feel deeply loved and important. She often spoke of how proud she was of her family and reminded them that family was life's greatest blessing.
Joan also treasured the still, small, simple moments with those she loved. She enjoyed lunch dates with friends and spending time with Dave. Those moments often included going out for lunch or dinner, taking a drive together, or making one of their favorite trips to Jerseyville for ice cream. She never turned down good food or ice cream, but she loved the people she shared it with above all else.
Joan leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love. She taught her family that life's greatest blessings are found in the time shared together. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Anzalone, her two children, Marc (Lanette) Anzalone of Edwardsville, Illinois and Doug (Liz) Anzalone of St. Charles, Missouri, her four grandchildren, Alexis (Tyler) Hasty of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Ashley (Johnny) Beasley of Troy, Illinois, Hunter (Jackie) Anzalone of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Sophia Anzalone of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jack (Alyssa) Anzalone of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and her four great grandchildren, Anzley Beasley, Colt Beasley, Grayson Hasty, and Emerson Hasty.
Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2026 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Homes - Godfrey, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, IL.
Burial will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Ambrose Catholic Church and School or BJC Hospice.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.