Joan Catherine Raposa

Joan Catherine Raposa, of The Woodlands, Texas, a loving mother, devoted grandmother, faithful friend, and woman of deep faith, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 78 surrounded by her family.

Born on August 7, 1946, in Houston, Texas to Edward L. Gabet, Sr. and Yvonne Helen Gabet, Joan was a gentle soul whose life was marked by compassion, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. She spent nearly 30 years as an elementary school educator, shaping the lives of countless young students with patience, love, and encouragement. She had a special gift for helping children feel safe, seen, and inspired to learn—a true calling she fulfilled with humility and grace.

Joan also had a heart made for caregiving. Whether it was through her work in the prayer blanket ministry, preparing Christmas shoeboxes for the homeless, or volunteering alongside her daughter to deliver Meals on Wheels to other seniors, she found purpose and joy in helping others. She was a longtime member of her Bible study group, cherishing the fellowship and faith she shared with her “Bible study ladies.” Her life was a living testimony to her unwavering belief in God’s love and grace.

Joan was happiest surrounded by the simple joys of life: a glass of milk with a chocolate chip cookie, the beauty of flowers, the flutter of butterflies, and the song of birds outside her window. She loved puzzles, books, and word searches, and found peace in quiet moments of reflection and prayer with the companionship of her cherished dogs, Smokey and Bandit.

Above all, Joan was a devoted wife, a treasured mother, and a doting grandmother. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Edward P. Raposa; her parents and her brother, Edward L. Gabet, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Graff; her son-in-law, Todd Graff; and her two adoring grandchildren, Georgia and Anders Graff. To them, she was more than a mom and a grandmother—she was “Nana,” the heart of the family, and a constant source of love, encouragement, and chocolate chip cookies. She was not just a mother, but a best friend and constant source of strength and love to Jennifer. Joan’s legacy is one of kindness, faith, and selfless love. Her gentle presence will be deeply missed, but the warmth of her spirit lives on in all who knew her.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nurses and staff of Oasis Hospice and The Village at The Woodlands Waterway for their compassionate care of Joan in her final days.

A Rosary and viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A reception will follow. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Joan’s memory—lend a hand, share a smile, or help someone in need, just as Joan did every day.