Joan Marie Dorn
Joan Marie Dorn passed away Saturday, October 30, 2021. She was 82. Joan was born to Bernard and Emma (Parsons) LaFontaine in Plattsburgh, New York on August 1, 1939. Plattsburgh held a special place in her heart, as this is where her story began.
Joan was a mere 8 years old when her father unexpectedly passed away. Being the oldest of the 3 children often left her “in charge” (as she affectionately liked to say) as their mother assumed the role of sole provider. Joan loved to recall memories of time spent with her Grandma Parsons, with her uncle at his restaurant, and most of all at the beach (Lake Champlain).
At the age of 17, Joan met William (Bill) Dorn while he was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. They married on March 9, 1957. Eventually they would relocate from upstate New York to Illinois and later Wisconsin. Together Joan and Bill raised 4 children, all of whom survive her: Dennis (Yvonne), Steven (Rhonda), William (Karen), and Jennifer. Bill preceded her in death in 2016. Joan worked for many years as a CNA, often providing home health care needs to those in the community. Joan also had a natural flair for home décor, and many would call upon her for advice. When Joan had spare time, she could be found at one of her favorite resale shops, a garage sale, or the goodwill store. Given her generous nature, many of her purchases would go to others in need. Joan was an excellent cook and baker. She was famous for her banana bread and could whip up a loaf or two from memory.
Joan was a nurturing and devoted mother, and she instilled the importance of family in her 4 children. Joan was a doting grandmother to her 5 beautiful grandchildren: William (Chanyn), Lyndsey (Ethan), Ryan (Nikki), Brandon (Hailey), and Emma. And two step-grandchildren: Kelse, and Samantha. Joan made every member of her family feel treasured and always had time for them. It was not uncommon to find her grandchildren at her house during their school lunch breaks, many times with their friends in tow. Most recently Joan took delight in spending time with her precious great-granddaughters, Finley and Merrit. Joan “GG” and Finley spent time together playing boardgames and painting, and Joan was able to hold and adore Merrit.
Joan was known for strength and perseverance. She knew more struggles throughout her life than many of us will ever know. Her faith sustained her; she trusted in Jehovah and he always provided. This was a path she began to take in the early 1970’s. Her study of the Bible motivated her to dedication and baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 10, 1973. She really enjoyed learning about the paradise on earth soon to come along with other important Bible truth’s, and then sharing those things with others.
Joan’s friends describe her as vibrant and full of life, always laughing and smiling, truly one who lights up a room. Her family members say there is no way to put into words how special she was or how much she made each one of them feel cherished.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Emma, her stepfather Joe Yodis, and her sisters Barbara Tomlinson and Margaret Brewer.
A Virtual Funeral Service will be held January 15, 2022 starting at 1:30pm. This will be on “Zoom” for the ‘Sparta Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Please login a few minutes early to get situated and say hello.
Meeting ID: 455 762 2933 Password: Daniel9:25
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4557622933?pwd=TVlmeVRBelljL3ppQWdyT0xhUGp6dz09
Dial In By Phone Instructions: +1 (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 455 762 2933 Password: 3784529775
My mom in-law was a kind and generous person who loved her family very much. She made sure to visit us often even though we lived a couple hours away. Including staying with us when she had her circuit assemblies twice a year. She was always known for her “treasure hunting” as I liked to call it, even finding our family dog “Ringo” a 2 year old black & white Springer Spaniel. Exactly what we were looking for! If Joan thought you had a need of any kind, she would try to fill it the best way she knew how. She was loved and cherished and will be missed……..until the new world soon to come.💕
My Deepest Condolences to Joan’s Dear Family. She was one of my dirt sisters. She’s sleeping now & will awaken in Paradise soon to come as our Heavenly Father Jehovah God has promised. May The Family Stay Safe with Love. Elainc Cuthrell
This is wonderfully written and we miss the wonderful person. We have had the pleasure of knowing Joan primarily via her visits to Dennis and Yvonne and also when making Sun Prairie a place to stay when attending assemblies and conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Joan was caring, empathetic, enthusiastic; and, if something was wrong she wanted to fix it! She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, other family of course, and the hundreds of spiritual brothers and sisters she had in a wide geographic area.
What a beautiful person in so many ways. She was a person that had a drive and passion to help or show kindness to someone…in someway…everyday.
She loved people and loved our family. We will forever appreciate her many acts of kindness to each in our family. Her smile, laughter, Banana Bread, clothing, etc…
We look forward with anticipation to her return, just around the corner in Paradise. Our many condolences to Denny, Steve, Billy, Jennifer and their families.
Oren & Kathy Pichette
I remember Sister Joan, I meet her when I became one of the dirt sisters, then we became spiritual sisters. I truly look forward to a real celebration to welcome all of our dear love ones back. It’s right around the corner.
Joan was my spiritual sister and my dirt sister. I look forward to seeing her shortly. We will laugh and share many stories once again.
Marcella Williams-Bey
I think of Joan with great affection. She was a beautiful woman in many ways. That smile! She was such fun to be with.
Happily, we know Jehovah remembers her.
It will be so good to see her again.
Louise Crook
I met Joan about 14-15 years ago at the “Dirt Sisters” camp. I never forgot her and would look for her every year. She was sparkly and fun and full of life. I missed her presence when her illness prevented her from coming to “DS” camp. When I learned of her illness, I prayed for her often. She doesn’t have long to sleep in death. This world, as we know it, is winding down and soon “No resident will say, I am sick.” Isaiah 33:24. My deepest condolences to her family.
See you in paradise, my friend.
Joan was Good , Kind friend she knew my family well. I first met Joan when she came to my house when I was eight years old .then later on after I move back home after 30 years she came to visit me again ….she brought me paint and nice things for my home …and I truly appreciated that… also she had me over for coffee and banana bread !!!so I will be waiting for her to be resurrected back to the earth to live forever on a paradise earth, and enjoy her company again !!!!my sincere condolences to her sons and daughters in-laws and all her grandkids & everyone that knew her loved her very much and I appreciate that…. your friend Cheryle Johnson (Griffin)
I met Joan at a Dirt gathering. Was tickled to find out she was Dennis’s Mom, Yvonne’s Mother in Law. Known Yvonne’s family for 50 yrs soon. Nice to know Joan and I shared learning the Truth in early 70’s, my baptism July 29th,73. We will have wonderful Reunions.
One of the kindest people, loved her . She was so generous, gave me a collection of miniature shoes, when she realized I collect them. Miss her much. I will look for her in the promised resurrection soon to come. Isa. 33:24 “No resident will say “I am sick”. May her family remember the good times and be consoled.
Truly, Joan was a gem, one of a kind, spent many hours with her in Florida at the Burnstead house, she was lots of fun and
a very caring person. She will be missed by all that knew her. She’s waiting in Jehovah’s memory for the promised New System
Joan was one of 100+ cousins that I always felt close with. In our later years she would come to Plattsburgh and stay with us and share lots of memories. Joan loved her family and her faith. She enjoyed sharing her pictures with us. Rest In Peace Joan. You lived a loving and caring life❤️
Joan was truly “One of a kind”! I mean that in every sense of a good way! Beautiful, kind, caring and funny. What a gem!
Joan was just a lovely person. I meet her as a dirt sister. Elaine Unbehaun got older sisters together for camping and that’s where I meet her. We always had a barrel of fun. She will be deeply missed, but right around the corner she’ll be back. What a celebration that will be!! ❤️🤟❤️🤟
To the entire Dorn Family. My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother . I was fortunate enough to meet her several times . And to say she was a very strong woman would be a gross understatement . I am sure the world is a lesser place without her. If I can be of any help to all of you during this time please feel to call on me
Joan was one spunky gal! She was someone who could be counted on to tell you what was what, and still manage to look fabulous while telling you. My condolences to you all.
Joan was a special lady. I am so glad I got to know her personal level and as a caregiver. She taught me many things, love, strength and determination. I will miss her, but I will have my beautiful memories of a dear friend.
My condolences to the Dorn family.
Sincerely, Barb Leis