Joan Marie Bellettini, 94, of Rochester, passed away at 9:18 am, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She was born on May 8, 1931, in Freeport, IL the daughter of William and Josephine Terese (Rohde) Kussner. She married Paul Bellettini and he survives.
In addition to her husband Paul, Joan is survived by three children, Robert (Janine) Camerer of Lincoln, CA, Michelle Kovacevich of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Gary (Beverly) Camerer of Chatham; five grandchildren, Alexandra Kovacevich, Elizabeth Kovacevich, Eric Camerer, Katie (Jared Wilson) Camerer, and J.R. (Amy) Stone; four great-grandchildren, Henry Kovacevich, Remington Kovacevich, Jacob Stone, and Judah Wilson; two sisters, Colette Morrison of Sioux City, IA, and Anita Ludolph of Freeport, IL; one brother, William (Virginia) Kussner, of Davis, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Peter V. Kovacevich; and two sisters, Barbara Miller and Mary Klouser.
Family was always at the center of Joan’s life. She was a loving mother who would do anything for her children. Even when money was tight, she found ways to work so her kids could enjoy opportunities like music lessons and extracurricular activities. Her love was practical, steady, and unwavering. She cherished visiting her children and their families, whether nearby with Gary or traveling to see Bobby or Michelle out of state. Those visits meant everything to her and remained one of her greatest joys.
Though she didn’t often play in her later years, Joan’s sisters remember her as an accomplished classical pianist by the time she graduated high school. She also cherished listening to violin music, a reminder of her early musical talent.
Determined to continue learning, Joan attended Highland Community College and later graduated from Northern Illinois University in the early 1970’s – an achievement she earned while balancing family life.
Joan enjoyed traveling after retirement. She visited Germany, England, and Italy, and enjoyed several cruise trips. She loved bus trips to Branson and was an enthusiastic fan of Notre Dame sports.
Memorial Gathering: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman.
Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman, with Rev. Zachary Samples officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Freeport at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.
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