Joanne Masako Montgomery, 78, died Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at her home in Nokomis.
A private burial has been scheduled.
Mrs. Montgomery was born on Jan. 31, 1948, to Norio Tsusaki and Mary (Miyata) Tsusaki in Chicago. She married Fred Montgomery in Cook County in April, 1976; he preceded her in death in 2021.
She was employed in the airplane manufacturing industry before she and her husband settled in Nokomis 30 years ago. She enjoyed serving others in her community and was known for being a giving soul. She enjoyed baking for funeral luncheons, knitting blankets to give as gifts, reading mysteries and the cats she adored.
Mrs. Montgomery is survived by beloved neighbors who became her family, Chris and Heather Ettling, both of Nokomis, and Liam Ettling, whom she loved and treated as her own grandson; and one sister, who resides in California.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother.
Memorials honoring Mrs. Montgomery may be sent to the Montgomery County PAWS CARE, PO Box 25, Hillsboro, IL 62049.
Hough-Dean in Hillsboro is assisting the family.
