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BORN
1943
DIED
2026
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Joan Macaulay Obituary
Joan Miffert Macaulay, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at home on January 29, 2026.
Joan was born on November 5, 1943, to Walter Miffert and Virginia Faivre Miffert, in Springfield, Mass.
She grew up in Southwick, Mass., where she developed a love for roller skating and later married the love of her life on May 30, 1961.
In 1968, she moved to North Carolina with her husband and children, where she began working at Atlas Supply before embarking on a remarkable career in the airline industry. She served as a dedicated, caring, and hardworking supervisor for Piedmont, US Air, US Airways, and American Airlines for 45 years, continuing until her diagnosis at age 78.
Joan was a beautiful woman, inside and out, whose greatest pride and joy was her family. Holidays were especially dear to her, and she found true happiness in bringing loved ones together. Her home and table were always open; she loved inviting coworkers, friends, and anyone who needed a place to go during the holidays.
She had a deep love for life and all its joys. She enjoyed traveling the world, cooking for family and friends, and a good day of shopping.
She was happiest in warm weather, tending her garden, planting flowers, and working in her yard. With a natural eye for decorating and design, she created spaces that felt welcoming, comfortable, and full of love.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ronald Macaulay; daughters, Debra Whisnant (Scott) and Jean Hauser (Mack); grandchildren, Christopher Whisnant (Angie), Michael Whisnant (Diana), Jennifer Whisnant (Greg), Sydney Hauser-Willard (Justin), and Mackenzie Hauser-Crews (Brad); great-grandchildren, Kayden Whisnant, Kylee Whisnant, Cash Willard, Ryan Willard, Layne Crews, and Mack Crews; special sister, Sandra Cignoni (Stephen); nieces, Nadine Cignoni and Stephanie Polutchko; and sister-in-law, Judith Martin.
Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her warmth, generosity, and love of life will be remembered by family, friends, and everyone she touched.
The family will gather with close friends at a later date to celebrate and honor Joan's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or the ASPCA. Share condolences at www.salemfh.com
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
120 South Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Macaulay
Sponsored by Salem Funerals & Cremations - Downtown.
1 Entry
Amy Douglass
February 9, 2026
I worked closely with Joan for many, many years. She was a great woman and supervisor. She would make handmade Christmas ornaments for us agents. She was a dear friend.
She was loved by many.
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