Joan Shea Wilson

1939 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Joan (Gramke) Shea Wilson, age 85, of Janesville WI died at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, February 27th, 2025. She was born in Janesville, WI on March 30th, 1939 the daughter of John J. And Olea (Bysted) Gramke. She was a graduate of Janesville Senior High, class of 1957 and was chosen Prom Queen. She married William Shea in 1959 and together they had 5 children: Jeff Shea (Mary), Dawn Schumacher (Craig), Brian Shea (Jennifer), Kent Shea (Lisa), Kevin Shea (Brinda). She was proud to be a stay-at-home Mom for 17 years. Joan was a Cub Scout leader for troop 539 for 7 years. In 1975 she returned to school to obtain her teaching certification and became the director/owner of ABC Nursery School for 14 years. During this time she provided internship and mentored 14 Whitewater students who went on to teach nursery school through 3rd grade. Later she gifted her beloved ABC Nursery School to St Williams Church where she was a proud member for 65 years. Her donation included the furnishings and the many policies and procedures she developed. Some of her teachers chose to continue on and teach at St. William's. Joan loved her students, saving their artwork and returning it to them on their High School Graduation. In her retirement, Joan took mastery classes allowing her to teach seniors at the Rock County Council on Aging. On July 7th, 1979 she married Paul O. Wilson and gained 4 Step-Sons. Steve Wilson (Nancy), Joe Wilson (Cindy), Jerry Wilson (Betsy) and Mike Wilson. Joan and Paul built a beautiful blended family together and shared 34 wonderful years prior to his passing in 2013. Joan enjoyed playing bridge throughout her adult life earning master points and a Marathon Badge. She was a member of multiple bridge clubs along with being a member of the Janesville Women's Club Association In recent years, she enjoyed many vacations and gatherings with her families, both the Wilsons and the Sheas including their dad William Shea with wife Dolly. A highlight was her 85th surprise birthday party in 2024 with many of her 23 grandchildren: Stacie, Shawn, Jesse, Danielle, Jordan, Bradley, Chelsea, Julienne, Ben, Sarah, Kimberly, Paul, Krista, Landon, Nolan, Dalton, MacKenzie, Triston, Ryan, Brad, Kellie, Melinda and Tammi. Also including some of her 23 great grandchildren: Amara, Quentin, Harrison, Max, Winsley, Lenyx, Cora, Quinn, Maren, Riley, Jake, Avery, Austin, Easton, Bauer, Autumn, Adelynn, Alex, Lincoln, Emalyn, Paislee, Rhett and Grant. Joan is also survived by her brother in -law, Richard Stark; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Wilson; and her siblings: Charles (Priscilla) Gramke, Beatrice (Charles) Niles and Jacqueline Stark. Her families would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Nancy Rainiero and Dr. John Phelan for allowing us to enjoy many extra years of life with Joan. Also, thank you to Agrace hospice for the care they provided during the past 4 months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3rd at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME; and will continue on Tuesday at Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Committal will immediately follow Mass on Tuesday to Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting her family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com