Joan Cubitt

Joan Cubitt
Joan Ellen Cubitt, nee McGregor, age 76, of Bad Axe, passed away with her son and daughter by her side, after a long battle with ovarian/fallopian cancer complicated by Parkinson's on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Joan was born on January 26, 1949, in Washington D.C., daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (Killing) McGregor.
Joan graduated from Farmington High School and later attended Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University. She earned her real estate license and worked throughout the Thumb for many years. She worked at Huron Behavioral Health in Administrative Management while continuing to care for her home and family.
Joan was a bright soul with so much love behind her eyes. She embodied what it meant to serve your community and loved spreading the word of God to those around her. She loved to garden and teach her children the importance of maintenance and hard work, which was evident by how she carefully and delicately cared for things around her. She loved her time working as a florist and carried her love for gardening to her own home. She devoted her life to her family, not just through care and affection, but by instilling in them the values that shaped who they are. She believed in raising children to be both intelligent and kind, and she lived those values in every conversation, every gesture, and every moment of quiet encouragement. She wasn't perfect, and she never pretended to be. Instead, she embraced her flaws as part of what made her human, and she taught her family to do the same. From her, they learned that imperfection is not a weakness, but a part of life lived honestly and fully. She taught her family what it meant to have a support system-to be held up when they were tired, cheered on when they had doubts, and loved even when they felt unlovable. She believed that dreams are more than just a thought-they are promises to oneself, and with hard work and heart, they can come true.
Joan faced many serious health challenges throughout her life, including a long and difficult battle with cancer. Despite the pain and setbacks, she held on with extraordinary strength and determination. For years, she showed up for her family and loved ones in every way she could, never letting her illness define who she was. She didn't complain or seek pity. Instead, she smiled through the hardest moments, offering comfort and light to others even when she was in pain herself. Her quiet courage and refusal to give up were a testament to the depth of her spirit. Joan taught everyone she encountered that fighting for your life is not only an act of strength but also of grace, and that every moment shared with loved ones is worth holding on to. Her resilience was nothing short of remarkable, and her example will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Joan loved her husband, Elwin. He was the light and home she always hoped for-the one she built a life with, hand in hand. They spent every single day together, traveling, working on their home, "The Farm," and soaking in precious moments and holidays with their loved ones. The walls of their home held laughter, love, and the quiet joy of a life well lived.
Joan enjoyed and preferred her home-cooked meals, which usually involved venison from hunting or one of her "quick fixings". She taught many how to bake, how to cook, how to use a recipe, and so much more. Her care packages and thoughtful meals for those going through hard times were her way of saying, "You're not alone." Her days of baking to provide smiles for those going through a hard time will continue by those around her who have been touched by her acts of kindness, delivered with her bright smile.
Joan had a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through a long conversation at the kitchen table, a handwritten note slipped into your hand, or simply the way she listened, fully and intently willing to give advice, she reminded everyone that the smallest gestures often hold the most meaning. Her wisdom was gentle but firm, shaped by experience and rooted in compassion. She never rushed love, advice, or forgiveness. She gave each freely, believing that people grow when they are nurtured, not pressured. Many of us found strength just by being in her presence. She created a sense of safety and home, wherever she went-and that feeling will remain with us, even in her absence.
Joan, whose hands were rarely still, passed away, leaving behind a legacy stitched with love and generosity. She found joy in creating beautiful quilts, each a labor of love crafted with care and intention. Whether it was to celebrate a milestone, mark a birthday, or simply bring comfort "just because", her quilts wrapped others in warmth and reminded them they were cherished. Her creativity, kindness, and thoughtfulness touched countless lives, and her memory will live on in the threads of every piece she lovingly made.
Joan was a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a wife, a loving friend, a daughter, a sister, and a kind spirit, but most importantly, one of the most selfless women known to many. Her love was quiet but constant, fierce but tender. She leaves a legacy of strength, love, faith, and grace. Though she is no longer with us, everything she taught us lives on-in our gardens, our kitchens, our families, and in our hearts, by the way we love one another.
Joan is survived by her children, Kay (Dave) Thomas of Port Huron, Michigan and Christopher Mann of Van Buren Twp. MI, and her grandchildren Madison Thomas, Niklas Thomas and Payton Thomas.
She was preceded in death by her husband L. Elwin Cubitt, her parents, Robert and Margaret McGregor and her brother, James McGregor.
The family would like to thank the people who were part of Joan's care-team; Christine, Judy, Kaysn, A & D Home Care and Hospice staff and the many staff at Meadow Lane Assisted Living. Joan came to think of many of you as her friends and extended family and your 'little something extra' did not go unnoticed.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be offered to the wishes of the family.
Condolences may be shared at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com