Joan L. Loveless, age 87, passed away at home with family present on May 1, 2024. She was born on January 1st, 1937, which always made New Year's Day an even more special celebration.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Lela Evans of Spokane, Washington, her son, Michael Loveless and her grandson, Tyler Madden.

After high school, she married and worked while supporting her husband, Ken, through college. She was a dedicated mother who spent a lot of time shuttling kids to various lessons and activities. Always busy, Joan was a Boy Scout leader in Northbrook, Il. and a Brownie troop leader in Wilmington. Joan was a very talented cook who made absolutely everything from scratch. We have many fond memories of her baking and cooking various goodies (with the exception of the liver and onions). Joan was also a very talented seamstress. She sewed a lot of our clothes, including her daughter's first interview suit and pajamas for her grandsons. Joan made beautiful quilts, placemats, pillow cases, and crocheted stunning blankets for all of her family. She had a green thumb and had a large, bountiful vegetable garden as well as many plants around the house. Joan was a devoted mother who did an excellent job raising two children to be successful in life. She was also an attentive grandmother who provided so many beautiful and fun memories. She was a truly good person.

Joan was a volunteer for the McKean High School Marching Band for several years and was in charge of issuing uniforms to the band members. Her sewing repair skills came in very handy. She always had an ear for any kids who needed to talk. Joan enjoyed going to the competitions and abroad to England. We remember every year our kitchen being busy-full of chocolate and the makings for Easter Eggs. She made the best filled Easter Eggs (coconut, peanut butter, and crème) as a fundraiser for school. They were always decorated beautifully as she had taken cake decorating classes and was quite skilled.

Joan volunteered for the Scottish Games for 20 years-arriving first thing in the morning and staying until the last band performed. She sold beer there (which was interesting as a person for whom one drink proved too much as evidenced by planting her face in her dinner after one drink of Galliano) and chatted and laughed with people. She was a lifelong member of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and enjoyed bird watching.

Joan worked as a Financial Senior Secretary for the Red Clay School district for ten years and made many friends there. After retirement, she and her friend Nancy spent several summers in Maine and then added on winters in Florida in their RV. She had a great time and lived a full life. Joan felt that the best thing to do with a free minute was to do something for others. She did a lot of small, meaningful things to brighten someone's day. Almost everyone who knew her adored her. She had a fun sense of humor, was easy to get along with, and was generally in an upbeat mood cracking jokes to make people laugh.

Joan is survived by her son, Mark Loveless, daughter, Michelle and son in-law, Chris Madden, grandsons Jacob and Justin Madden, and her best friend, Nancy Hayden.

Burial will be private for the family, followed by a service at First and Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19801 on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org.