Joan Hollaender

Joan (Joanie) Thelma Hollaender (nee Gerwe), beloved wife of 51 years to the late Terry P. Hollaender; devoted mother of Michele (David) Pride, John P. Hollaender, Ted (Donna) Hollaender, and Sharon (Steve) Shepherd; loving grandmother to Lauren (Ian) Bolin, David John Pride (Madison Eisman), James Terry Shepherd, Ted Brayden Hollaender, Grace Pride (Hudson Foster), Gabriella Shepherd, Brittany Hazelbaker and Mariah Hazelbaker; loving great-grandmother to Nathan Bolin; loving sister to Mel Gerwe, Joe (Ruth Ann) Gerwe, Eileen Gosney, Ann (Chuck) Anderson, Roger (Julie) Gerwe, and Ray (Nancy) Gerwe. Joan is also survived by countless family and friends. Joan is preceded in death by her husband Terry P. Hollaender, parents, Al and Mary (West) Gerwe; and sister, Cathy (Gerwe) Hagee.

Joan was born in Norwood, Ohio. She was the baby of 6 children until twin brothers arrived and they became a family of 10. The family had humble beginnings, but love was abundant. The story goes that her dad used a door to create a table big enough for the family to eat together. Joan attended St. Elizabeth school as a child and graduated from Regina High School. After high school, Joan worked at US Playing cards. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Terry. They started a family and Joan embraced the role of "mom." She spent countless hours taking 4 kids to a variety of activities, from soccer and basketball to 4-H. Mom was always willing to volunteer her time whether it be in one of our classrooms, at church, helping with a sports team, or helping lead a 4-H club. As we grew up and started leaving home, mom worked as a pharmacy technician at Thriftway and eventually retiring from Meijer. When mom & dad retired, they decided to spend their winters in Florida in a quaint community known as Alligator Park. They made many friends there and enjoyed countless activities. After dad's passing, she became close to several ladies in the park. Mom kept herself busy by joining several groups in the park, including a bible study - it was good to see her lean on God after dad's passing. When Joan was in Ohio, she enjoyed the company of her friends from St. Patrick church. She enjoyed the many dinners after church and the "lunch bunch." (Thank you, ladies, for looking after our mom.) Joan's last years were busy with the grandkids. Mom enjoyed seeing her grandkids graduate from high school and college, playing sports, getting engaged to their true love, watching the grandsons farm, and the birth of her first great grandchild. Joan will be missed by all who knew her.

Joan went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at the age of 77. Family and friends will be received at Saint Angela Merici parish, St. Patrick church on Thursday, January 8th from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Mass of Christian burial begins at 10:30 AM. Celebration of life to follow at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Patrick Church (Fayetteville, Ohio) or The American Heart Association in Joan's name.