Joan E. Favreau

Joan Sullivan Favreau, 100 years young, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28th, in Anaheim, CA. Joan was a New Year's baby born on January 1st, 1925 in Dubuque, Iowa. Joan lived a full life filled with love, and a dedication to her family and faith. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She embraced her Catholic faith and strong sense of family with joy, humor, and humility, creating a loving, non-judgmental home that was a sanctuary for all who entered. In addition to raising her nine children with Don, her beloved husband of 67 yrs., Joan was an extremely talented athlete. She was honored as the Dubuque, Iowa female athlete of the year in 1941 and continued to win numerous awards for golf, tennis, and volleyball across her entire lifetime.

Joan was also a prolific artist, who began painting when she was in her 80s, and gifted her family members many exquisite works of art. Joan had a strong sense of commitment, especially to those who were less fortunate. This was evidenced throughout her life by her selfless volunteerism and stalwart acts of advocacy.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Leonetta, her siblings, James, John, and Jeanne, her husband Don, and her son, Charles. She is survived by Rev Dr. Jeanne Favreau Sorvillo (Frank), Dr. Michele Haight (Mike), Monica Favreau, Mike Favreau (Laura), Tony Favreau (Cindy), Marie Reuling (Pete), John Favreau (Ann), Anne Favreau, nineteen grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Joan was a beacon of love and support for everyone she touched. She challenged us all with her sharp intellect and biting wit, and soothed us with her gentle compassion. Much the same as she conducted her own life, Joan conferred grace and dignity upon everyone she touched. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her and her legacy of family, faith, and immutable strength and character will endure in the hearts and memories of us all.