Joan C. Wing, 93, of Marion died Thursday July 13, 2023 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham unexpectedly. She was the wife of the late Robert I. Wing and a generous matriarch of the Wing family.
Born in Marion, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Bessie Sherman (Corse) and James Reid Dougall. Joan graduated from Tabor Academy and attended Bridgewater State University and UMass at Dartmouth.
Joan worked for a while raising her family as a commercial fisher woman. Once while quahogging with a bull rake, she found a Tabor class ring on one of the tines of the rake. Everyone was surprised to find it to be the lost ring of her sister Rita. Later Joan worked as an Office Manager and Bookkeeper for many local businesses including Brewer Engineering, Gault Transportation, Gunschel Building, Harriet’s Catering, and Sperry Sails.
An active community member of Marion, she served as a dedicated E.M.T. for the town for 37 years. Joan was past Vice Chairman of the Marion Emergency Medical Services. At the time of her death, she was the long standing and current treasurer of the Town of Marion EMT Association (a public charity). Most recently, Joan was usually the driving force of finding needed equipment for the Marion Emergency Services in coordination with the Fire Department Chief. She was a long-term member of the Marion Fireworks Committee.
Joan loved sharing her vast knowledge on many subjects with others. She especially loved teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all about everything, especially mathematics and geography. During the 1970’s Joan studied multiple computer languages and used the huge main frame computer at Sippican Corporation to do her homework. She was a long term and current member of American Mensa, Ltd.
The Wing home has always had a variety of animals such as “hosses”, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, geese, rabbits and her chickens that she loved to watch. She bred AKC English Springer Spaniels for many years. Joan and Bob’s love of animals extended to their travels to Alaska and the Yellowstone National Park area.
Joan and Bob traveled to many foreign countries but repeated trips to the European Alp’s for skiing were particularly enjoyed with friends and family. They were former members of the Middleborough Ski Club. Joan and Bob were active participants of The Congregational Church Couples Club, frequently enjoying meals with others. Joan and multiple family members enjoyed trips to Walt Disney World in Florida. Joan loved to listen to Classical music especially that of Strauss. Her favorite orchestra was that of Dutch leader and violinist, Andre Rieu.
She is survived by her children, Linda J. Ward of Wareham, Robert D. Wing, Deborah J. Thompson and Patricia R. Rowley and her husband Kevin, all of Marion. Her sister Cornelia R. Dougall of Marion; her grandchildren; Geoffrey Rowley, Nicole Flannery and her husband Cash, Gregory Rowley, Corinna Grota and her husband Justin, Jessica Thompson and her husband Andrew Lunt, Kevin Ward, Katherine Kestenbaum and Bella Casino; her great grandchildren, Landon, Rowan, Grayson, Natalie, Brian, Kelly, Alex, Madeline, Titi, and Nevaeh; her nephew Mark J. Sylvia of Florida. Also survived by her cats, Mickey and Minnie, many cousins, multiple generations of nieces and nephews and a few close friends.
Relatives, friends and acquaintances are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 10 am in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion which will be immediately followed by a celebration of life and reception at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front St., Marion. Visitation is omitted.
Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to The Marion EMT Association, a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity in c/o Cornelia R. Dougall, PO Box 6, Marion, MA 02738.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. For directions, to leave a message of condolences or to view a video tribute visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
