Joan C. Romer

Joan Christine Romer, age 74, of Marengo, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at her home. Daughter of the late Donald and Estelle Romer, Joan was born on April 28, 1951, in Chicago, IL. She attended Mundelein College, now part of Loyola University Chicago, studying accounting. Joan was financially savvy and impressively owned her own condo at El Lago on Sheridan Road in her younger years. On November 21, 1985, Joan was united in marriage with Salvador Antonio Guedes. In the 90’s, the couple settled in Marengo to raise their two children. 

A passionate advocate for animals large and small, Joan opened her home as a place for homeless pets to land comfortably. She rescued dozens of cats and dogs over the years, with great concern for their welfare. 

Joan was a lifelong adventurer, always seeking new horizons. In her teen years, she spent 6 months living in a small village in Mexico where she learned Spanish. She enjoyed travelling the world throughout her life, visiting Europe, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, and Central America, to name a few. Salvador and Joan spent the past 10 years snowbirding on cruises during winters. 

Joan will be remembered for her intelligence and analytical mind, her impressive independence, and her open heart for animals. She is survived by her husband, Salvador Guedes; children, Allison Michelle Guedes Oba (Glenn Oba) of Highland Park, IL, and Kenneth Anthony Guedes of Kalispell, MT. 

An open-house visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Saunders Funeral Home, 1745 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL, 60098. Memorial donations can be made to the Tails Humane Society of Dekalb in Joan’s honor. 

Saunders Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Joan’s family. For more information, call 815-420-3030.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan C. Romer, please visit our floral store.