On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Joan Dolores Bray peacefully moved to her Heavenly home. Joan was a godly woman who cherished the Lord and her family with all her heart, setting a lasting example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Joan was born in Melrose Park, IL, on November 16, 1932, to the late Robert Weaver and Martha Shear Weaver. She graduated as salutatorian from Whitewater College High School in 1950, where she was also crowned homecoming queen, escorted by her future husband, Tom, who was the king. In 1954, Joan and Tom moved to Syracuse, NY, and later settled in Clay, NY where they raised their seven children. In 1972, they relocated to Brookfield, WI, where Joan spent nearly 20 years before moving to Cedarburg, WI; there she lived for most of the remainder of her life.
Joan’s love for her Savior, the Lord Jesus, and God’s Word was profound. Though she was humble and gentle, she was a powerful prayer warrior, and the impact of her years of faithful prayer for her family, friends, and the world at large is immeasurable.
Joan had a passion for animals, music, and gardening, which she passed down through generations. She was an accomplished seamstress, creating all her daughters’ wedding dresses and many intricate counted-cross stitch pictures. Her fruit cake recipe is renowned (even by those who never thought they liked fruit cake). Joan adored all dogs, and they naturally gravitated towards her. She was a gifted piano player and even continued to play in her 91st year. Joan never raised her voice to her children but giving
them “the look” was enough to convey her thoughts. Despite her age and her memory loss, Joan always made time to help who she called “the older people,” even though most were younger than she was. And though memory loss is often a painful journey, Joan’s family was exceedingly blessed that she always recognized every one of them!
Joan is survived by Tom Bray, the father of their children: Mary Walker, Tom (Kathy) Bray, Steve (Beate) Bray, Julie (Dick) D’Agostini, Lynn (Pete) Dickinson, and Nancy (Ron) Epling. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Stephanie (Greg Hoffman) Walker, Matthew Walker, Tommy (Brenda) Bray, Nate (Natasha) Siebert, Ben (Nickie) Siebert, Luke (Jazz) Siebert, Christine (Mike) French, Nick D’Agostini, Vinny D’Agostini, Rachel (Jerod) Madala, Ruth (Bill) Weber, Anna (Justin) Lecher, Stephen (Morgan) Fischer, Amanda (Tony) Stockhausen, Brandon (Emily) Epling, and Mitch Epling, as well as 22 great-grandchildren: Owen, Eli, Evan, Ian, Loken, Jonas, Finn, Esten, Mason, Max, Grace, Noah, Elijah, Addison, Cam, Leighton, Willa, Cole, Madelyn, Elizabeth, McKenzie, and Landen (born 9/2/24). Joan is also survived by her sister Kathy (Doug) Markley, her son-in-law John Siebert, her sister-in-law Colleen Reddy, her niece Tara Coffman, and her great-nephew Gabe Coffman.
Joan was preceded in death by her daughter, Susanne Siebert; her granddaughter, Melissa Bray; her grandson, Daniel Bray; her son-in-law, Bob Walker; and her brother-in-law, Jack Bray.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at Bridge Church, 1314 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Bridge Church – Kingdom Builders – to support missionary families and invest in global mission projects (1300 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI), or Wildlife in Need – to rehabilitate wildlife to release into their native habitat (W349 S1480 Waterville Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066).
Joan’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Waters of Pewaukee memory care team, as well as Brighton Hospice-Wisconsin, for their kind, loving, and compassionate care of Joan.
