Joan Ann Beauregard Hathorn

Joan Ann Beauregard Hathorn brought her wonderful laugh, incredible smile, and cheerleading encouragement to the angels in heaven on Monday, December 30, 2013.  She was born on July 24, 1930. She is resting in the presence of her parents, Octave Guy and Anna Needham Beauregard, her husband of 57 years, Kellett William Hathorn and a son, Kenneth William Hathorn.  Joan and Kellett came from tiny communities in Louisiana (Echo and Lecompte) but attended the same school and graduated from Poland High School when there were only 11 grades to complete.  Separated by attending different colleges, the two found each other again and married in 1951. Joan was a light to her family, friends, and more importantly, to total strangers who needed a little encouragement just to fulfill the next step of their own destiny.  From the time Joan and Kellett were married, Joan made her family the center of her world as they located first in Ft. Walton Beach, FL and then to Covington, LA.  What once were two became a family of nine from 1952 through 1961 moving from Covington, LA to Madison, WI, back to Covington before settling in Baton Rouge.  Joan used her degree in Home Economics from Southwestern University (Lafayette) to care for her family as well as teach both her children and the neighbors' children how to cook and to sew for themselves. This teaching carried over into many 4-H projects. She hosted wonderful family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Joan's career shifted from full-time homemaker for her growing children to real estate agent and tennis player in later years.  Joan's laugh was her signature characteristic whether guiding her children, helping a family locate a home, or having fun on the tennis courts.  She was the glue that held together her husband's and family's venture of Irish Town Farms waiting on and assisting "pickers" at their u-pick operation located in St. Helena Parish, homestead of Joan's grandfather, Daniel Needham. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So.....While we have it, it's best we love it... And care for it...And fix it when it's broken... And heal it when it's sick. Mom/Mama was "a keeper" and acknowledging this are her children:  Annette Sharp (Baton Rouge, LA), Marilyn Quagliotti (husband Greg-Fairfax Station, VA), Daniel Hathorn (Alexandria, LA), Joan Taylor (husband Roger-Baton Rouge, LA), Paul Hathorn (Cecelia Casselberry-Geismar, LA), Robert (wife Delma-Corpus Christi, TX); her grandchildren: Florence Sharp Travis, Angela Sharp Worsham (husband Richard), Allison Sharp, Tori Taylor Kracht (husband John), Ty Taylor, Ashlie Hathorn Morales (husband Chase), Korey Hathorn, and Shelby Hathorn; and her great grandchildren Shane Travis, Austin Worsham, and Jackson Morales.  Also sharing these memories are her brother-in-law, Jackie Hathorn (wife Anita), her niece, April Magee (husband Gary), a group of wonderfully caring first cousins and assorted other family members and friends. The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care provided by Barbara, Helen and her nurse, Penny. The celebration of her life takes place at St. George Catholic Church (7808 Saint George Drive), Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, January 3, 2014. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. at St. George with Mass at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Tom Ranzino will officiate.  Burial will take place in the St. George Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area in Joan's name (3772 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA  70806).  There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special....  And so, we keep them close, both here on earth and in heaven. Please sign the online guestbook atwww.rabenhorst.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.rabenhorst.com/">www.rabenhorst.com.