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HELLER JOAN L. GREENWELL
JOAN L. GREENWELL HELLER
Joan Lee Greenwell Heller, age 82, died Sunday, April 19, in Chagrin Falls. Joan, who was born in Min-nesota, married her first husband, First Lt. George Griffin Green-well, the father of her daughter, Catherine (Greenwell) Heller Watterson in 1947. A pilot in the USAF in World War II and the Korean War, Greenwell was shot down and presumed dead in 1952, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal (of Honor).
As a young widow and single mother, Joan became a trailblazer in the world of equipment sales for the 3M Company in Minnesota. She broke through the glass ceiling of traditional womens’ roles to become a consistent sales leader and newsmaker by 1956. She married (the late) George W. Heller in 1957, who died just short of their 40th wedding anniversary in 1996. She is survived by children, G.P. Fred Heller; Catherine Watterson and her husband, David; Julia Heller Povilaitis and her husband, Romas; and daughter in law, Kerchen Heller, who was married to son, Paul W.T. Heller (deceased). Her loving family also includes 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother, Howard; and sister-in-law, Earline Lee; 6 nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her brother, Roger, and his wife, Bernie.
Her family and friends were inspired by her tireless energy and special devotion to family and her enthusiastic spirit of volunteerism for her church family wherever she lived, as well as her community in more than 6 states. She was committed to her family of faith at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where she provided friendship, warmth, and lay leadership in her 10 years there. Her love and support has always been a constant in our lives. Her 82 years were packed full of love and laughter. Her compassion, cheerfulness, ready smile and exuberant enjoyment of life will be with us forever. We feel very fortunate to have had her in our lives as long as we did, but she will be greatly missed.
A memorial celebration will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 17989 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Saturday, May 2, at 3 pm. A memorial service and burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on May 9 at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone who would care to send a donation to either Lord of Life Lutheran Church or Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-4924.
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