Joan Mary English, 84, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016, in Coral Gables, Fla., with her family and dear ones by her side.
A private gathering was held in her daughter's home to celebrate her life, with a memorial service to follow in her birth town of Cascade, Iowa, in early August. Cremation rites will be accorded. Military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Navy.
She was born in Cascade, Iowa, on January 1, 1932, daughter of Vincent and Louise (Leonard) English. After graduating from St. Martin's High School in 1951, she joined the Navy, serving for 6 years, and was employed with the Dubuque County Courthouse for over 25 years.
Services for Joan will be held at 10:30 a.m., August 6, 2016 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. The family of Joan will greet friends and relatives after 9 a.m., at the church. Burial will be held in St. Martin's Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528. The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, is assisting the family.
Joan was a great admirer of animals, especially cats, for which she cared for all her life. An avid reader, she surprised the Carnegie-Stout Public Library of Dubuque with what was likely the largest single donation of books ever received.
Although consumed by cancer, she remained faithful, alert and cheerful during her 3-month journey. The companionship, care and nurturing of dear family & friends who came from near & far to be with her brought her joy and comfort and that ever-present & genuine smile that was so special.
Joan was a 1951 graduate of St. Martin's High School in Cascade, Iowa.
As she prepared for her departure to heaven, her wish was to let everyone know that it's not goodbye but "see ya later" on the other side and to share with you this sentiment "If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all my prejudices against my fellow man. Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I ask, I will live forever."
Survived by her daughter, Nancy English (Gonzalo) Sanabria; her grandsons Victor and Eric Sanabria, of Coral Gables, Florida; her son Dan Walderbach and her granddaughters Sophia and Kylie, of Mt Pleasant, Iowa; twin brother John (Merle)English, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister Janet Feehan, of Rapid City, South Dakota; and loving nieces & nephews, who have been like children to her especially during her time of need.
Joan was preceded by the departed family of her parents and siblings, Robert "Ozzie," Herbert "Hub" and Marge.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joan's name to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society www.dbqhumane.org or the Carnegie-Stout Public Library of Dubuque www.dubuque.lib.ia.us.
Joan's family is very grateful for the love and support given to her and wishes to extend a very special thank you to her wonderful family and friends for the prayers, calls, visits, cards, juices, soups, treats and so many special moments shared together. A sincere thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and to Catholic Hospice in Miami, especially Nurse Tanya and Dr Ben Villalba for their loving care and support given to our Mother and to us.