Joan Charlene Cain
February 7, 1931 - December 4, 2022

Joan Wilson Cain, affectionately referred to as the “grey ghost,” passed away on Sunday, December 4,
2022 peacefully in her own home.
Joan Charlene Wilson came into this world on February 7 th , 1931. She is the daughter of the late
Geraldine DeZutter and Rudolph Chauncey Wilson. She married Paul E. Cain, Sr. in 1953 and they
celebrated 42 years together on this earth. We are confident they have now reunited and have
returned to their card-playing, happy hours, and endless laughter.
Joan is survived by her four children, listed in reverse birth order because Joan knew daughters should
always come first: Joanne, Timothy, Kevin, and Paul. She was blessed with three daughters-in-law,
Jennifer, Lori, and Shawn. Joan was a devoted grandmother to nine granddaughters and five great-
grandchildren. Joan loved her family with whom she spent countless hours playing cards and games
such as “Sorry” and, of course, dining out on shrimp cocktail with a pina colada. Thankfully, Joan knitted
enough baby clothes that generations to come will be in a strikingly beautiful, albeit itchy, outfit “made
with love by Nana.”
Her big heart was not limited to her children. She instilled in all of her family a love of dogs. Dogs were
members of the family and would be treated no other way – they ate first (preferably scrambled eggs
with bacon) and belonged at the front and center of every family photo. Traces of her four children are
appropriately hidden behind their Sheltie siblings.
Joan lived by the mantra of “if you love it, you must buy it.” Talbots was the other true love of her life.
We would like to thank Talbots for its decades of service and unwavering patience when she returned a
top, only to eventually come back to buy the exact same top in four different colors. She was
notoriously the best dressed with infamous “outfits of the day.” A woman truly before her time.
She remained a huge tennis fan after teaching herself the game at the age of 50, attending matches, and
watching endless hours of the US open, the Australian open, and every match in between .
We were blessed to know that Joan’s earthly time was coming to an end and many were able to visit
with her. When asked, she had one consistent response on the age-old question of best life advice:
“Have a good life, be happy, and have fun.” Thus, in lieu of flowers, Joan would want you to spend time
with those you love. Use that time to play your favorite games, laugh until your belly hurts, enjoy your
favorite cocktail, never take yourself too seriously, and be thankful for the time together .


3 Comments

  • Celeste DelGreco Devine Posted December 7, 2022 12:15 pm

    You all are in my thoughts and prayers. The memories we share of our parents is a blessing. Joanie lives on forever in our hearts! Love you guys!

  • Nick Dimkos Posted December 7, 2022 7:55 pm

    Such a beautiful lady with a distinct beautiful soft voice..sooo many great memories with such a beautiful family..

  • Annie Anthony Posted December 8, 2022 4:49 am

    Joann’s mom, was how I got to know her. I got to spend some time with her a few years ago. She was fiercely independent and a delight! Sending love and hugs, praying for peace and comfort for you.

    Blessings
    Annie


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