Joan White

Joan M. White (nee Beauchemin), 88, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2016, at Kavanagh House, Des Moines, IA, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 3, 1927 to Diana (nee Parenteau) and Albany Beauchemin in Roseville, Michigan.

Joan married Norman L. White on June 30, 1951, and to this union, seven children were born: Denise White (Wilmer Fulmer), Allen White (Chasity McAtee), Pamela Bradford, Donna (Steven) Johns, Tina Brooks (Albert Wadle), Renee (Denny) Wulf, William (Kristine) White, all of whom survive her, along with grandchildren: Ruth (Kevin) Bethards, Timothy (Marinee) Fulmer, Kymberlee (Mark) Bennett, Katie White, Aaron (Dena) White, Nicholas Bradford, Celeste and William Johns, Jason (Beth) Wulf, Jared and Megan Wulf, Abigail White, Steven (Kaitlin) Miller, Matthew (Sara) Miller; great-grandchildren: Brittany and Jordyn Bethards, Madelyn and Sam Mandujano, Gavin, Cameron and Evelyn Church; Calvin and Lola White and Preston Bradford and step great-grandchild, Konner Bennett; two great-great grandchildren: Carson and Sutton Jones; and brother, Maurice Beauchemin. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Albert Brunnett, husband (1999), brothers Johnny, Bertrand and Paul Beauchemin, her sisters Helen Flowers and Mary Ann Evans, her granddaughter, Tina Fulmer, and granddaughter, Jennifer Wulf.

Joan was a devout Catholic who sacrificed to ensure all of her children had access to parochial education. She volunteered for many years at her church’s Senior Luncheon Program and donated countless pies and cookies for church functions, family and friends. Most importantly, though, Joan embraced her role as mother and grandmother, even until the end of her life, caring for us while we cared for her. Leaving her own family behind to move to Iowa in the early ‘60’s, she became the quintessential mom. Her unconditional love kept her busy attending to the needs of her husband, her children, and their children, also to children and young adults not related by blood, but who needed a mother’s care. Joan loved listening to music and singing with her family and spending time with them at their lake house. She was happiest when surrounded by family. Joan lived a long and loving life. She leaves a legacy of selflessness, generosity, compassion and grace. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines on Saturday, March 26, 2016 with visitation at 9 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Kavanagh House, or the charity of your choice in memory of Joan.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to the staff of Kavanagh House, for their compassionate care of Joan.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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