Joan Elizabeth Morrell (Kirk)

SKOWHEGAN – Joan Elizabeth Morrell (Kirk) peacefully passed away on Aug. 2, 2023, in Skowhegan, at the age of 89. She was born on Dec. 12, 1934, in a small house in Sangerville, Maine.

Joan was a go-getter who worked hard her whole life. She had a compassionate spirit, which led her to foster children at the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers while her children were still young. Her nurturing nature touched the lives of many. Joan was a proud member of the Rainbow Girls and Eastern Star. Together with her beloved husband, Bruce, they traveled extensively across the United States, attending events and creating cherished memories. After retiring they embarked on countless adventures, exploring the vast landscapes of the United States, venturing into Canada and even making it all the way to Alaska. Their RV became a symbol of freedom and wanderlust. Joan loved to fish and hunt. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and reading.

Joan will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including her sister Carole (Ron) Deering, daughters; Deb Salewski and her wife Terry, Shery Morrell, Vicky (Reza) Morrell, Joann Dolan, and Brenda (Virgil) Smith. She was also a cherished aunt to Kelly (Tony) Couture, Michael (Debbie) Levenseller, Troy (Erika) Deering, Ron (Tammy) Deering, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Alden Morrell, her daughter Becky Lynn Taylor, her granddaughter Christie Lee Asbery, her grandson Justin Virgil Smith, her father Raymond N. Kirk, her mother Lillian Kirk, as well as her father-in-law Winthrop Morrell and her mother-in-law Mona Morrell.

Services to honor Joan’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Joan’s memory.