Joan Marie Whelan

1924-2019

Joan Marie Whelan was born February 12, 1924 in East Orange, New Jersey to her parents Carl and Ottilie Seber. They eventually moved to Hackettstown, New Jersey where Joan attended school. Joan is survived by her daughter, Maureen Glazar and husband Jim, and by her son, Lynn Whelan, and his wife Mary. Joan had three children, eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn Whelan; her son, John Whelan; her sister, Alma Seber; and her brothers, Carl and Joseph Seber.

While in High School, Joan found her sweetheart, Lynn, captain and quarterback of the state champion, Hackettstown High School football team. They were married following graduation on May 16th, 1941 in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Not long after the wedding and the start of World War II, Lynn enlisted in the Navy in November of 1942, and went to serve his country. Their son Lynn was born before Lynn’s enlistment and daughter Maureen was born a few months after the enlistment. Joan stayed at home with family and raised Lynn and Maureen until Lynn was discharged from the Navy in October 1945. Eventually, they had a second son, John.

In 1955, due to Lynn’s health, the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they lived a great life together. Later, after the children had left the nest, Joan and Lynn moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where they built a new home and continued the Florida life.

In early 2009, they called their children and asked for help as health was becoming a significant struggle in both their lives. After much discussion, it was decided that they would move to Texas to be near daughter, Maureen and husband Jim. Lynn passed away 6 months later on August 26, 2009. Joan and Lynn had been married 68 years as of his passing.

Joan was always caring, kind and considerate with everyone she came in contact with. She enjoyed playing Bingo, doing Sittercise and going to Rosary and Communion every week. The highlight of her days was the “Lunch Bunch,” who had all their meals at the same table every day. They truly cared for one another.

She was doing wonderfully until two years ago when she lost short term memory followed by the use of her legs. Joan was a very independent person and it was hard for her to accept the help she needed. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone.

Joan would say often that she was ready to meet the Lord, and please let him know my wish. Our reply would be that the Lord will come for you when he is ready. He is making a special place for you in heaven. Joan’s reply would always be the same, “Please let him know that I don’t need anything special.”

Joan loved her family and she was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and friend to many. It broke our hearts to lose her, but God called her home.

Joan Marie Whelan

Entered Into Rest

March 28, 2019

Funeral Service

10:30AM Saturday, May 4, 2019

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

26160 Ranch Rd 12

Dripping Springs, TX 78620