Beloved mother and friend to many.
Joan M. (Hilker) Hannibal, 96, passed peacefully away on July 31, 2025.
Joan was born in St. Louis in 1929 to Milton and Dorothy Hilker. She often reminisced about the fun she had growing up in the city of St. Louis alongside her grade school friends and younger siblings, Suzanne and Gregg. Joan graduated from St. Gabriel Elementary and was a parishioner for nearly 70 years. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1947 and Fontbonne University in 1951; receiving academic honors from both.
Joan married and dedicated much of her life to lovingly raising five children. Eventually, she would obtain employment with the US Federal District Courts where she worked until her retirement. Joan loved the arts; often visited the Art Museum and was a member of the Missouri Botanical Gardens and St. Louis Symphony for many years. She loved to paint, play the piano, and was an avid reader, gardener and lover of classical and jazz music. She especially enjoyed the company of her family and friends and dearly loved all of her dogs throughout the years.
Joan was active in supporting the Boys and Girls’ Club of America and was a patron to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Joan had a compassion for all beings and always had a gift for listening. She was known by many as a person with whom anyone could talk, and she always stood for the least among us. She was such a gift to the many lives she touched, and she will be sorely missed.
Joan was a sister to the late Suzanne Belt and brother, Gregg (Debbie) Hilker. She is survived by her children: Gregg (Christine) Hannibal, Chris (Elaine) Hannibal, preceded in death by her son, Jerry; Peggy, Pat (Mary) Hannibal; dearest grandmother and great grandmother to many.
On behalf of Joan’s family, our sincerest gratitude to all of her loving neighbors and friends who have supported Joan throughout the years. Very special thanks to Judy Hunter, RN, St. Gabriel Parish and Tammy Hernandez, caretaker at skilled nursing facility… mom’s angels on earth.
SERVICES: A private mass will be held to celebrate Joan’s life. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice.
I cannot believe she is gone I will miss seeing her at Sherbrooke And her calling me a sweetheart. She is truly an angel in heaven sorry for your loss
Thank you for being a sweetheart to my Mom, Lisa. Pat & I will miss you.
My condolences to the Hannibal family and friends. I have been friends with Peg since college. I went with her daughter, Peg to visit Joan a month ago. Joan was having one of her best days. We sat in the courtyard where we could enjoy nature, the weather, and the birds. Joan’s eyes shone the color of the blue sky. We were able to visit comfortably under a shade tree. Joan was excited to share her photo album with us. I was so impressed that Joan could recall the names of family and friends on each page. Joan spoke about a group of 7 Ursuline friends that remained lifelong friends. One of my fondest memories with Joan was when my children were young and they played their violins for her at her house. Joan will always be in my heart.
Dear Peggy,I am very sorry to hear the news about your mother.She looks beautiful in her photo, and sounds like she was a very talented and kind lady.May God bless you all and give you strength and courage during this sad time. You are a great daughter, and your mother was blessed to have you taking care of her. Stay strong, sending prayers for you and your family.
Pat was a neighbor for the last 19 years and long time friend of my mother in St Gabriel’s parish. She always greeted us with a smile and her demeanor was always so kind and warm. She will be very missed on the 6300 Devonshire block.
– Jim & Kelli Uxa
What a wonderful tribute to your mom. I liked being able to spend time with her. She amazed me with her painting and her stories she told seems like she could remember everything with a smile. I miss her and will definitely miss seeing you, Pat, and most of all your Sadie. A mom couldn’t ask for a better daughter or son. The love and dedication you had for her showed everyday and she knew that, the way her face lit up when she saw you both says it all. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy,
I’m sorry about your mom’s passing. She was a lovely woman. The obituary speaks of a life well lived. A beautiful tribute. The last time I saw your mom was probably 25 years ago. She was with you outside of a parish fish fry. Time flies by so fast. It was so good seeing both of you.
I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.