Joan Mae Oakey

COTTAGE GROVE-Joan Oakey, age 87, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at Aster Retirement Center. She was born on Aug. 18, 1929, the daughter of Leo and Rose (Hess) Horan. Joan graduated from Albany High School with the Class of 1947. She married Bill Oakey on June 25, 1977, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Evansville. Joan was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. She retired from University Hospital in Madison. Joan was an active member and supporter of the Cottage Grove Lioness Club and the Madison Catholic Women's Club. She enjoyed playing bingo and gardening. Joan was a survivor of three cancer diagnosis. She was blessed with a great love of life. Joan loved traveling and often talked about her motor home trip to Alaska with her sister and brother-in-law. Her beautiful home and warm hospitality was always open to her friends and family. Joan's love of people was evident in the joy everyone experienced by her warmth and concern. She made everyone feel so very special with her kindness and cheerfulness giving. In the last few years of her life, we were constantly amazed at her cheerfulness, even on her darkest days. Joan will be tremendously missed. Joan is survived by brother, Jerry Horan of Stoughton; sisters, Betty Rafailovich of Milwaukee and Rosella Elmer of Monroe; nieces, Sheila Franz and Cheryl Fewless; nephew, Jim Horan; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Richard Horan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. The family would like to thank Peggy Weber, June Quesnell, Carol Walker and Lealisa Stefl for all of their care and concern for Joan. Also the staff at Aster Retirement Center, Home Health United Hospice and her physicians, Dr. Robert Hegeman and Dr. Briana Jelenc. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420