Joan Louise Langlois Neal ~ Wife, Mom, Aunt-Grandma, Nana, Great-Nana ~ born October 31, 1928 ~ peacefully passed on December 15, 2014, while surrounded by her loved ones. She was known throughout her life as a gracious lady, excellent hostess, and devoted wife to her one and only sweetheart, Mick Neal.
Joan was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Walter & Anne Burggraf Langlois. In her youth she lived in Lansing, MI; Chehalis, WA; St. Anthony, ID and Pocatello, ID.
Joan met Gordon G Neal (Mick) in Pocatello, ID where they both graduated from High School: Mick in the Class of '43 and Joan in the Class of '47.
They married on March 1, 1949 in Blackfoot, Idaho, three days after Mick had been commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and pilot in the United States Air Force which began a journey of 65+ years together.
Their union was blessed with 6 children: Kathy, Susan, William, Jim, Michele, and Virgil. Joan served as Room Mother for several grades at a time, due to a 14 year age span of their children. While volunteering for several school programs, she also attended Officer Wives' Club luncheons, and served as President of the Officers' Wives' Club of Los Angeles Air Force Station. White gloves, pearls and a hat were a familiar sight of Joan as she supported Mick in his military career.
Joan excelled at providing a beautiful home and scrumptious meals while transitioning the family from home to home.
After Joan graduated from Parent/Teacher Associations, she wore several new "hats" ....including Realtor, Hospital Guild, Docent at The Steinbeck House, and hostess to family and guests they had met over the years. She always welcomed many of her children's friends into her home, many of whom became "Her Kids" as well.
In the past 6 year years, Joan & Mick moved to Reno, NV. Once again they created a beautiful home together ... always making new friends and serving at their local parish as Eucharistic Ministers. The years together found Joan & Mick enjoying numerous trips around the world (literally!) Ocean & River Cruises, Trans-Siberian Express, and destination travels occupied many an anniversary celebration.
If you look-up the word "One" in the dictionary, you would expect to find the definition: {Joan & Mick}
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister Barbara Langlois Murfitt, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins. She is survived by her loving husband, Mick; Children; Kathy (Sherman) Miller; Susan Neal, Bill Neal, Jim (Donna) Neal, Michele (Frank) Maconachy, & Virgil Neal. Grandchildren; Brian Bitner, Christopher (Jenna) Bitner, Owen Shively, Emily (Jordan) Edwards, Jerald Swearingen, Casey & Megan Maconachy. Great-Granddaughters; Meredith Bitner & Sadie Edwards.
A Viewing /Rosary will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:30 at Ross, Burke and Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, NV 89502. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 3:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 100 Bishop Manogue Dr., Reno, NV 89511