Joan Warner Wilson

Naples - Surrounded in love by her children, devoted caregiver, and beloved dog, Joan Warner Wilson peacefully joined her "Tommy" on the Heavenly Dance Floor on January 18, 2026. Joan was born April 14th, 1947, in Patterson, NJ to Harold Stewart Warner and Eleanor Margaret (Carey) Warner.

Joan grew up with her sister, Patricia Warner, and many friends in HoHoKus, NJ. She spent a lot of her childhood with her church family at Broadway Baptist Church. Joan was a Girl Scout, enjoying having her mother as her Troop Leader. Joan was proud of her family's English and Irish heritage. She and her family travelled throughout Europe and were even passengers on the Queen Mary. Joan spoke fondly of her father's business, Warner Woven Labels, and shared many stories about visiting her father in his offices, one of which was in Manhattan. She loved to watch the balloons from the Thanksgiving Day Parade float by her dad's office window, while playing with his adding machine. Joan was an avid New York Yankees fan, traveling to Florida for Spring Training and attending many games at Yankees Stadium. During the summer months, Joan and her family enjoyed their community in Ocean Grove, NJ.

In her early career, Joan worked as a Social Worker at Trenton State Hospital, opening one of the first Geriatric Day Programs for people experiencing cognitive change. She became a mother in 1977 and cherished this job more than anything. At times, Joan worked with her husband, Tom, managing their clothing store, Abigail Starr. In her later years, Joan worked at Williams Sonoma at Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida.

Joan proudly raised her children in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She had an open-door policy, always inviting friends at the last minute to "stay for dinner" after dropping off or picking up Carey and Todd's friends. Joan thought of the most minute details, integrating them into meals, gifts, and cards. She effortlessly hosted friends and family for holidays and more casual meals. One friend lovingly described Joan as, "Being able to turn a dog fight into a dinner party".

After initially crossing paths with Tom, at a church summer camp, they were later reconnected when attending Eastern Baptist College. Joan and Tom married on August 15th, 1970. They spent 1 year living in Keene, New Hampshire before settling in their first official home in Titusville, NJ. Joan earned her Master's Degree in Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania and spent a semester abroad studying at Wroxton College in the United Kingdom. She was a graduate of Ridgewood High School, Class of 1965.

Joan loved family first, with friends coming a close second. She happily responded to being called Mom, Miss Joan, Aunt Joanie, Mrs. Wilson, Mildred, and Nana. In addition to being a fabulous cook and entertainer, Joan was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, swimming, flower arranging, and theater. She was the person little league coaches asked to fill out scorebooks and who family went to when ensuring that checkbooks were accurately balanced. Joan was the person that people would call if they needed help with something or to just talk things through. Joan's sense of humor and quick wit was present throughout her life.

In her most recent years, Joan bravely gave of herself, participating in a clinical study in search of a cure for Alzheimer's Disease. She was aware that her participation would most likely help others, but not herself. While attending the Baker Senior Center, Joan and her caregiver recently performed in a Choral Concert, singing songs of her generation and entertaining others. She loved spending time with her dog, giving him treats and snuggling.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, her sisters Helen Starr Warner and Patricia Ann Warner, her grandson Matthew Bresee, and her husband of 55 years, Thomas Wilson (by just 5 weeks and 6 days). She lovingly leaves behind her daughter Carey Raimo; son-in- law John Raimo; her son Stewart Todd Wilson; her daughter-in-law Heidi Wilson; her grandsons Jonathan Bresee and Nicholas Lieving; and her dog Sir Prize. Joan also leaves behind many close friends from over the years...she loved you all!

Joan's family would like to thank the caregivers, medical team, and trainer who loved, cared for, and advocated for her over the years. You treated Joan with dignity, respect, and saw her for the person she always was. We could not ask for anything more.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joan's name to the Baker Senior Center at https://www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org/ or the Alzheimer's Support Network at https://support.network/. In your daily life, please remember Joan by engaging in an act of kindness, knowing that sometimes the smallest things have the biggest impact.

A Celebration of Joan and Tom's Lives with occur at a later date. In the meantime, please polish your favorite shoes and get ready to dance!