Joan Kathleen Normand

Joan Kathleen Normand, a cherished member of her community and beloved family matriarch, passed away on December 5, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born on July 3, 1950, Joan was the treasured daughter of Felix Cooper and Gerry (Martin) Cooper. As the eldest of four siblings, she shared a special bond with her brothers, Paul (deceased) and Brian, and her sister, Ann.

Joan's life was marked by her deep connections with family and friends. She shared a close and enduring friendship with her former husband, David Michael Normand, and was a devoted mother to her son, Chris Normand. Her family expanded with the marriage of Chris to Heather, and Joan's heart was filled with joy by her twin grandsons, Matthew and Luke, who became the light of her later years.

A woman of great passion and dedication, Joan held St. Jude Children's Research Hospital close to her heart, a place that played a significant role in her life due to her son's cancer treatment there. Her commitment to the cause was unwavering, and she dedicated much of her time and energy to supporting the hospital's mission.

Joan spent close to 20 years of her life in East Tennessee, where she was a fervent supporter of the UT Vols. Her professional life was spent as a bookkeeper, a career she pursued with diligence and integrity. Beyond her work, Joan was an active and engaged member of Advent Arlington Church, where she participated in the book club and various ministries, contributing her time and talents to the community she loved.

Known for her adventurous spirit, Joan was never one to shy away from new experiences. She had a particular fondness for driving her VW Bug, and her competitive nature shone through in her love for bowling and card games. She was known for her legendary caramel brownies, though she was also known for her playful culinary surprises, such as adding onions to her mac n cheese.

Joan's love for animals was evident in her care for her pets, including her dogs Mandy, Barney, Sophie, and her cat, Molly. She also adopted a few of her son's cats Burt and Shmoopy when the boys were babies. Her home was a sanctuary not only for her pets but also for her grandsons, who found joy and comfort in their visits. Joan delighted in taking them to parks, which they affectionately named by the colors of the roofs they saw. Her home featured a special room decorated just for them and her house had a special wall showcasing their artwork, a testament to her love and pride in their creativity.

Sundays were a cherished time for Joan and her grandsons, often spent at McDonald's after church, where they shared laughter and stories. Joan's love for Charlie Brown, Garfield, BJ Thomas, and Brad Paisley was well-known, and she found immense joy in watching cartoons with her grandsons, creating memories that will be treasured by her family forever.

Joan Kathleen Normand leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication. Her adventurous spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering support for her family and community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. Joan's memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to her family and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.

A visitation for Joan will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, followed by a funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.