Joan Baclene Filipkowski (Phillips) passed away unexpectedly May 13, 2026. She was born January 5, 1951, and grew up in Roseland, IL. She attended Pullman School, Fenger High and Jones Commercial High School.

The north side of Chicago (Lake View) was her home for 50 years where she lived happily with her great love, John Filipkowski, and their beloved cats. She and John first met at the Exchequer pub in Chicago in 1974, and went on to be married for 46 years until his passing in 2021. They shared many great adventures with their many friends, including the New Orleans Bears Super Bowl win. She was a long time Chicago Bears season ticket holder.

Her second home was Lake Shafer, Indiana, where weekends were spent with the Toczyl family enjoying lake life. She loved cooking and entertaining, especially for Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday.

Her first job was in advertising for the Chicago Sun-Times, but soon moved on to an amazing 48-year career with Hilton Worldwide Sales. Starting as an administrative assistant, she worked her way up to director of sales. Over the years she was awarded many accolades including Hilton International Sales Person of the Year more than once, and the Circle of Excellence Award for her significant professional achievements. She was a mentor to salespeople globally. Joan traveled to more than 100 countries where she made lifelong friends. John often joined Joan in her travels and they adventured to places as far-flung as Africa, Egypt, Australia, and China. She often claimed her third home was the baggage claim at O'Hare.

Joan spent her retirement years overlooking her beloved Lake Michigan, watching the boats in Belmont Harbor, volunteering at many of Chicago's theaters, and enjoying concerts. She had recently undertaken the task of archiving family photos and history. She enjoyed spending time with her "best buddies," and loved her Sunday afternoon visits and lunching with her lifelong friends (aka the "Hilton Hotties") at every opportunity.

In her own words, Joan lived a great life. Joan is survived by her sisters, Susan (Bob) Fee and Julie (Jeff White) Baclene; brother, Jan (Tanja) Baclene; nieces, Jamie (Mike) Cline, Lynn Toczyl, and Barbara (Palmer) Radbel Meyer; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother Ruth Baclene, father Frank Baclene, and sister Kathy.

Friends are invited to visit with Joan's family on Wednesday, May 20 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL.