On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Joan Kay Breese, cherished mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Monday, October 16, 1933, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Vivian and Elmer Smith, Joan grew up in a loving home with three sisters, Jeanette, Eleanor, and Tanya.

Joan married James Eugene Breese on June 1, 1949. They celebrated 74 years together, raising three children: Jamie Angela Young, Sherrie Parker, and James Breese, who filled Joan's life with joy and purpose. Joan's life is not one to mourn but to celebrate. She traveled extensively across the United States with her family, experiencing everything from National Parks in their 1987 motorhome to walking along the ocean at their Florida condo. Along the way, Joan collected memories, treasures, and an impressive collection of seashells and rocks. At home, Joan was both an enthusiastic gardener and exceptional homemaker. Her famous Watergate salad was a staple at every Thanksgiving, and no birthday was complete without Grandma's chocolate cake. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, music from the 1940s and hosting her grandkids. Her garden was always overflowing with beautiful flowers and she never missed an opportunity to offer you something to eat. In her final years, Joan suffered from Alzheimer's, but even through the trials of the disease, we were blessed with the opportunity to know Joan in new ways. She often sang songs from her childhood and spoke fondly of family members long gone, sharing glimpses into her life and the deep love she held for her family. Joan received loving care from her son Jim and his wife Teresa, who mirrored Joan's own lifelong devotion to her family. We are immensely grateful to the dedicated staff at Fremont Memory Care for their compassionate care, ensuring Joan's comfort in her final days.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two sisters Jeanette and Eleanor.

Joan is survived by her children, her sister Tanya and a gaggle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As we carry on with her memory, the scent of Jergen's Cherry Blossom lotion will remind us of Grandma's hugs, and each stray pebble in our pocket will feel like she is walking alongside us on our journeys through life. In saying our goodbyes, we find comfort and solace in the words of one of Joan's favorite songs, a reflection of her lifelong devotion to Christ and the peace she now enjoys with her Savior: "When we get to heaven, with Jesus our King, We won't have to worry about anything, We will be happy and free, and our bodies won't be, Worn Out."
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Eastlawn Cemetery, 2244 E. Pythian, Springfield, MO 65802. Online condolences can be made at www.eastlawnfh.com