- Date Of Birth: October 31, 1931
- Date Of Death: August 22, 2022
- State: Indiana
SOUTH BEND, IN After being on this earth for 90 years Joan was called to her heavenly home on August 22, 2022. Her parents were Paul O’Connor and Kathryn Petgen O’Connor. She was born in Fort Wayne Indiana and lived in South Bend for the past 62 years. Joan married her childhood sweetheart, Herbert Stearns and together they had four wonderful children. Surviving children residing in South Bend are Michael Stearns and Patricia (Greg) Gilmore. Joan had eleven grandchildren – Paul (Michelle) Stearns, Amie (Jason) Spellman, Chris (Elissa) Stearns, Matthew (Katelin) Stearns, Monique (Larry) Harvell, Damon Lusk, David Stearns, Susan (Chad) Arashiro, Anthony Stearns, and Angela (Jared Wroblewski) Stearns. Joan also had many great grandchildren. She was survived by siblings Nancy (George) Branning and Patricia (Jim) Brandt. Proceeded in her death were her son David Stearns and her daughter Kathy Stearns. Siblings Paul (Carol) O’Connor, Delores (Jack) Tomilson, and Linda (Tom) Sorg.
Joan’s entire life was spent taking care of others. After the sudden death of her father at the age of 12, she helped raise her brother and four sisters while her mother worked. Joan went on to devote her time and energy to raising her children. She continued being there for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, babysitting well into her late 80’s. Her caring nature carried over in the many volunteer jobs she did over many years.
But the most important legacy Joan left was her faith in Jesus Christ. She was the matriarch of her family and lived a life of unwavering faith in God. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and in trusting Jesus in times of need. She gave all praise and glory to God for answered prayers. Even when prayers weren’t answered immediately or in the way she would have liked, she had faith that God’s plan was better and He was in complete control. She believed her greatest gift from God was her family who all had a relationship with Him.
