Joan B. Claeys

Joan Belle Claeys, 86, of Naples, Florida, died peacefully on June 9, 2025, with John, her husband of 64 years, by her side. She had lived with dementia for ten years. Born on June 18, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Joan attended grammar school there until her family moved to Westchester County, New York, where she graduated from Pelham Memorial High School. Joan then attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her B.A. in History and Government and was president of her chapter of AOP. It was there that she met John. They married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1961 and settled in Michigan.
Joan taught in four school districts and was a mentor and friend to countless students and colleagues on her way to earning her M.A. in Educational Leadership. She was most proud of her many years of service in the Plymouth-Canton School District of Michigan as an area coordinator. That work continued until she and John moved to Naples, Florida, in 1999. Joan was a valued contributor to numerous organizations in Plymouth, and her commitment to her community continued in Naples.
Joan and John raised two children: Jeffrey Claeys (One) of Botswana, Africa, and Michele Claeys (Hugh) of Washington, D.C. Joan was a devoted mother who taught Jeffrey and Michele to be kind, curious, and resilient. She also dearly loved her grandchildren, Zachary and Cheyenne Claeys and Jackson and Linnaea McGuinness. Joan and John traveled often to visit their family in the U.S. and Southern Africa and also explored Europe and the Caribbean.
The family is grateful for the amazing care provided to Joan by Avow Hospice of Naples and would appreciate donations to them in Joan's memory. Services will be private.