Mary Joan Whelchel, devoted to family, faith
Mary Joan Whelchel, born Feb. 24, 1925, in Scranton, Pa., to Daniel William and Ann (O’Malley) Gerrity, went to be with the lord Wednesday, March 12, 2025. With joy in her heart, she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends with a wonderful dinner party and luncheon at The Lodge at Historic Lewes.
With smiling Irish eyes, Joan met and married her love, Myron James Whelchel Sr. (Jim), who gave her the nickname “Irish.” They were married for 69 years. They began their married life in Pendleton, Ind., and called Danbury, Conn., their home for 65 years.
While raising five children, Joan was very involved with her children’s school activities and helped start the school Library at Saint Joseph’s School, where her children attended.
Joan partnered with her husband in an appliance sales and repair business in Danbury, Conn. She also worked as a paraprofessional at Saint Joseph Readiness Center. With her patience and love, she helped her young learners enjoy and love school. She was a longtime member of the Danbury Yacht Club and the ladies auxiliary.
Joan had a deep passion for her faith, she could always be found quietly saying her rosary. When family and friends would leave her home, she always made the sign of the cross and said a prayer for protection and a safe journey.
Joan was happiest when with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Whether she was serenading them with a favorite Irish lullaby (Toora, Loora. Loora), cheering on the sidelines at numerous school sporting events, concerts, awards ceremonies, graduations, preschool through college or just admiring a grandchild walking for the first time or scribbling on a piece of paper they made especially for her, her heart was overflowing.
Many of her favorite skills and hobbies that she passed along to family included her love of reading, sewing, painting, puzzle building, decorating, fashion, gardening, and entertaining.
Joan was predeceased by her husband, Myron James Whelchel Sr.; brothers, Daniel Gerrity (POW Korean War) and Thomas Gerrity; and sister, Delcina Macri. Joan is survived by her loving sister, Carole Marie Gerrity; her children, Carole Ann Bender (Thomas) of Lewes, Myron James Whelchel Jr. (Kimberly) of Damascus, Pa., Daniel Robert Whelchel (Robin) of Danbury, Conn., John Maurice Whelchel (Suzanne) of Danbury, and Catherine Ann Betesh (Brian) of Lewes.
Joan is also survived by 11 loving grandchildren, nine joyful great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
May all who knew her have their hearts filled with love and joy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, March 31, at Saint Joseph’s Church, 376 Main St., Danbury, Conn. There are no calling hours. Interment will take place immediately following in Saint Peter’s Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury.
Because we are in Holy Lenten season, flowers at the church are not permitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082.
