Joan R. Boland

Joan Virginia Rice Boland, age 89, of Ashbourne Hills, Claymont, DE, passed away at home, surrounded by family on June 18, 2023, and was then reunited with the love of her life, Joseph J. Boland, who died in 2019.

Joan was born November 5, 1933, in Chester County, PA.  The youngest daughter of William and Margaret Rice, she had two sisters, Dorothy and Charlotte.  Joan graduated from West Chester High School in 1951.  A few years later, she met Joe at her sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner.  Joe proposed on Christmas 1954, and they married March 12, 1955, celebrating 64 years of marriage. 

Joan was a wife, mom, and homemaker at heart. As her children grew, she became an Avon lady, selling Avon for more than 25 years.  She also worked in the banking industry.  She donated platelets at the Blood Bank and volunteered, along with Joe, at the Holy Rosary Food Closet and Carnival for many years.  Joan enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, ceramics and bowling.

Cooking and baking were her forte.  Whether the recipe was old or new, she added her own touch, knowing exactly what would taste best.  Joan expressed love through food and made special dishes for the family, especially Joe.  Cakes, cookies and candy highlighted birthdays, holidays, and special events.  She baked more than 500 cakes and tens of thousands of Christmas cookies throughout the years. 

Joan and Joe spent countless weekends going to ballroom, square and polka dances enjoying life to the fullest.  In between the dances, they traveled extensively around the world visiting six of the seven continents.  Joan’s favorite trip was to Israel.  But, no hobby, dance or trip was above family.  You could especially see the joy she experienced spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is and will be missed. 

We are comforted knowing she is reunited with Joe; her son, Joseph J. Jr.; her parents, sisters, and other family and friends who have passed and also knowing she was met at the rainbow bridge by her furry family members who have passed - Whiskers, Tinkerbell, Reynaurd and Furball. 

Joan is survived by four daughters, Karen Litwa, Maureen Boland, Eileen Challenger (Bob), Sharon Boland; three grandchildren, Amber Hefner (James), Daniel Litwa (Lindsey), Joseph "JD" Challenger; three great-grandchildren, Dameon and Colton Hefner, Owen Litwa; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She will also be missed by her two cats, Winston and Samantha “Sam”. 

The family thanks AccentCare Hospice Care, especially Nurse Maddy Dutton, Chaplain Bill Irons and Dr. Dan DePietropaolo, as well as Bayada Nurses for the excellent care, support and service provided to Joan and family during this difficult time. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am on July 8, 2023, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE, 19703, where family and friends are welcomed to visit from 9am - 10am.  Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington DE, 19808.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Faithful Friends Animal Society Shelter, 12 Germay Dr. Wilmington, DE 19804 or via https://faithfulfriends.us/ 

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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