Joan E. Vance

Joan Vance, 88, passed away peacefully at her Omaha home on November 17, 2021. She was born in Valley City, ND (to parents Dick and Vera Ellefson) where she grew up on a nearby farm before moving to Omaha after high school.

In Omaha, Joan met her husband of 35 years, William Vance, and together, they raised two daughters: Susan Jackson and Carol Wilson. Their family grew to include Susan’s husband, Doug Jackson, his children Travis (Tiffany) Jackson and Tami (Steve) Potter and their large extended families, Carol’s husband, Scott Wilson, and grandchildren, Laurie (Oliver) Berglund and Billy (Abby) Wilson and great-grandchildren Gavin, Alison & Makenna Berglund.

After a career spanning nearly 40 years at the phone company (Northwestern Bell / US West / Century Link), she retired and they moved to “the Lake” near North Bend, NE. After her husband passed away, she stayed at the Lake where many wonderful memories were made with family and friends. Joan began spending her winters in Henderson, NV where she stayed with Susan and Doug. She eventually moved to Nevada full-time.

Joan stayed very active playing cards with her sisters (Alice and Lorna), going to Bingo, and playing the slot machines. After her son-in-law passed, Joan and Susan returned to Omaha to be closer to family. Joan enjoyed weekly card games with brother Gary, sister-in-law Brenda and sister Lorna. She also met Gary and Brenda regularly at Ralston Keno. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Susan Jackson and Carol (Scott) Wilson, grandchildren Laurie (Oliver) Berglund, Billy (Abby) Wilson, great-grandchildren Gavin, Alison & Makenna Berglund, sister Lorna Hunt, and brother Gary (Brenda) Ellefson, and too many other family members to mention.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law, parents, brothers, Richard, Robert, Allen & John, and sisters, Helen Jean, Alice, Delores, Mavis, Janice & Vivian.

She will be a cherished memory to all her knew and loved her.