Joan Augusta Mathiasen (nee Hillenmayer), beloved wife to Herky; mother to Kenneth, Nancy and Clifford; grandmother to Sara, Richard, Stephen, Michael, Wally, Andrew and Kelsey; great-grandmother to Raleigh, Morgan, Grayson and Lincoln (plus two more Mathiasens on the way); passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018, surrounded by her family.

Joan grew up in Queens, NY, with her twin sister, Jean, and older brother, Donald. Growing up, Joan was an aspiring ice skater, a politician, and astute student, particularly in math and grammar. She met Herky at age 16 in high school on a blind date. After dating for four years, they married on August 25, 1951.

Her children have fond memories of summers with her at the beach, and at Camp Danmark, and serving as their Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader. Her grandchildren can still picture her floating in 'Joan's Arc' up at Camp, making them peanut butter and Ritz cracker sandwiches, and constantly telling them they're "too tall!" While Joan didn't inherit her mother's musical talent (but would sing the loudest for anyone's birthday) she was a champion golfer with a hole-in-one record, and she loved bowling and playing bridge with her friends.

Joan was Herky's best friend, his world.  And Joan wanted nothing more than to take care of her husband and family. She loved her family and her friends with the mightiest heart of any little 5'2" lady, and she is dearly missed. In Heaven, Joan joins her parents, Michael and Marie; her son, Kenneth; and her brother, Donald. With that loving group to keep her company, Joan will certainly be smiling with her Revlon-red lipstick down on her family from Heaven, drinking a Manhattan, and playing bridge. Cheers, Joan/Mom/Grammy, we love you.

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