Joan Heilman Dennis (born May 16, 1935), proud widow of Russel E. Dennis (deceased, October 25, 2005), mother of Jody Dennis Cunningham and Laura Allison Dennis, grandmother to Teague Nicole Reese, Quinn Edward Cunningham, and many “granddogs” over the years, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 8, 2018, of complications related to stroke. Joan had been a resident of the Ginger Cove community in Annapolis for over three years until her death, and had often expressed extreme gratitude for the kindness and friendships she found there.
Prior to moving to Ginger Cove, Joan lived most of her adult life in Annapolis. Later, she and Russ moved into the family home on the South River in Edgewater. Her favorite place to be was with her family and extended family in Ocean City, Maryland, where she spent her honeymoon and every subsequent August for 50 years. She and Russ were avid travelers and would often venture abroad with friends to foreign countries and many tropical islands.
Joan attended Montgomery Blair High School and was a Kappa Delta at the University of Maryland (BA, Business). She was a member of the Severn Town Club (former president), Annapolis Roads Garden Club, the Republican Women's Committee (she held many offices, including president), and the Panhellenic Club (president). Before becoming a professor of technology at Anne Arundel Community College she taught business at Chesapeake College. She spent her early years teaching elementary and high school.
In recent years, Joan endured four painful back operations and showed strength and grit throughout. After falling victim to her first stroke in December 2017, her level of courage and grace while facing a life of limited functionality was astonishing. She made the most of everything and every moment without the slightest hint of self-pity.
Aside from her grandchildren, whom she loved more than life, Joan often said her greatest achievement was “chasing Russ just long enough for him to catch me.” Russ was the love of Joan’s life. The pair were rarely separated and the bonds of their love could be felt well after his passing. She said she did not fear death because she felt certain she’d finally see Russ again.
For close friends and family there will be a Celebration of Life Party at the Elks Club of Annapolis 2 Pythian Dr, Edgewater, MD 21037 Sunday October 28, 2018 from 2 to 4:30 PM. Please RSVP 443-714-1112. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or 1-800-708-7644.
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