Joan A. (Kaufmann) Wasserberg

In the last weeks of her life, Joan swore Jewish people died on holidays so that they’d be more readily remembered. Sure enough, Joan, 93, passed away peacefully in the first hour of Dec. 16, grandson David’s 40th birthday.

Joan made friends wherever she went. Cheery and talkative, she brought an optimistic outlook with her that won people to her. One friend said, “I adored Joan, and I will have to adopt some of her simple truths. She reminded me daily of how much an individual can be valued. She held humanity in high regard in finding their own path, education and knowing the small things in life are the big things. I loved seeing the world through her eyes, her sense of fascination and finding joy in what the world had to offer her.” “There was a light inside her that made everyone else bright,” vowed another friend.

Betty reflects, “I was trying to think of a word that describes my mom- the word “amazing” comes to mind, “One who does remarkable things.” Or perhaps, “wondrous,” defined as “amazing; one who inspires awe.” In Mom’s baby book there was an entry between January and March 1929 (just prior to her first birthday). She became ill with measles. Other complications required a visit from a baby specialist. It was never determined what caused the seriousness of the illness, but it was noted that “it seems a miracle she survived.” Mom held on to that miracle of life till her last day on earth, so perhaps “miracle” is the best word to describe her.

Joan was a kind, compassionate woman who found joy in what this world had to offer. She loved a competitive game of bridge or scrabble. An avid reader, a world traveler, she simply loved life.

One of life’s great blessings was to have played a large role in her grandchildren’s lives. Her only sadness, “I won't be here to see what my great- grandchildren will accomplish.”

Finally, Joan wanted to be remembered as a Proverbs 31 woman, competent, caring for her family, charitable, and God- fearing.

Her family expresses an abundance of gratitude to the four “angels” that made it possible for her to remain in her home until the end.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be on-going as friends and family independently gather in large or small groups and remember her with a smile, and possibly a laugh at one of her many “exploits.” She will no doubt be saying, “Don’t make fun of the old lady.”

She will be dearly missed by her children: Jerry (Edie) Wasserberg; Tommie Jayne Wasserberg, Betty (Alan) Stauffer; grandchildren: Jesse (Virginia) Wasserberg, David Wasserberg, Sarah (John) Boespflug, and Matthew (Megan) Stauffer, great grandchildren: Joseph, Olivia, Noah, Grace, and Ava Joan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene and a sister, Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to ThedaCare At Home Hospice, Team 3. 

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