Joan Webster Mears passed away peacefully at home on North Pipe Lake surrounded by family on March 12, 2025, after a long battle with Dementia.

Born December 23, 1940, Joan grew up in St. Paul, MN graduating from Central High School. Joan attended the University of Minnesota for her undergraduate degree and University of Strasbourg for her Masters degree in Linguistics. Joan’s first job was with 3M as a document translator and then went to work for the University of Minnesota Medical School as an administrator. She ended her career as an administrator at the University of Minnesota Agriculture Institute. Joan and Tom married in 1974. She loved and adored their three beautiful children: Sarah, Meghan, and Brennan. Joan left the working sector when she and Tom moved from Minnesota to Ft. Worth, TX in 1984. At the time, Joan chose to put her career aside to be a mom. When the kids were older, she became an avid supporter and volunteer for many charities. Joan and Tom returned in 1996 to where her heart always remained - back to Minnesota and to Pipe Lake in the North Woods of Wisconsin.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Edward Sheldon Webster; mother, Marie Elizabeth Brennan; and her sister, Lynn Webster Allen (Don). She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Tom Mears; daughters, Sarah Mears Helfrich (Ed) and Meghan Mears Fugitt (Ray); and son, Brennan Thomas Mears (Amy). She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Jack Helfrich, Tad Fugitt, Anna Helfrich, Ashley Fugitt, and Harper Mears. Additionally, she is survived by her "adopted daughters," Mayumi Ohara (Koichi) and Ilonka Rus (Jeff and daughter Sophia). She will also be missed dearly by her sister, Bonita “Bonnie” Sletten (Keith), her brothers and sisters in-law, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and lifelong friends.

Joan loved the people in her life and had a gift for making new friends wherever she went. She opened her heart and home to anyone and everyone. Joan’s love of entertaining was unmatched. She would set beautiful tables and plan delicious meals. While everything was meticulously planned, the joy this gave her came from the people who were gathered around the table and the lively conversations.

Joan was passionate about giving her time, serving on boards, supporting and planning events for organizations, and creative arts that she believed in including the Episcopal Church, International Christian Youth Exchange, Minnesota Public Radio, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Kinship (of Cumberland), ETC, Cumberland Coop, Friends of the Library, and many other good causes (too many to name).

Joan loved traveling. She enjoyed exploring new places and visiting friends with Tom. When they traveled, they had an unspoken tradition to purchase one piece of art, pottery, or furniture from a local artist to bring home. Their home is filled with many “stories” of their travels.

Joan summed up herself and what she was proud of in her later years of life on her personal business card: “All around - Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, Mentor, Volunteer, Driver, Grocery-getter, Cook (AKA, ‘Maker of All’) and General Resource person.”

Although we won’t be holding a formal celebration of life, we know Joan would want us to continue living as she did. She would want us to enjoy the fine arts and the beauty surrounding us. She would want us to reach out to the people we care about, to celebrate the friendships that have stood the test of time, and to live with a heart open to giving to the world and to others.

In lieu of flowers, and in Joan’s memory, we invite you to reconnect with old friends, to meet new friends, to travel, and to celebrate life as Joan would have wanted — with open arms, a spirit of giving, and a heart full of love. If you feel moved, please send a note or photo to Tom of your adventures honoring Joan.

A heartfelt thank you to First Lutheran Church of Cumberland, including Pastor Tim and the many dedicated volunteers who have contributed over the years. Your unwavering support has fostered a true sense of community, spirit, and friendship for both Joan and Tom. In addition, our overwhelming gratitude and thanks goes out to St. Croix Hospice, especially Terianna and Stefan who have stood by our sides during the toughest of years.

The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

Last Update: Mar 13, 2025 12:45 pm CDT