Obituary of Joan Evelyn Gilkey

STOW - Joan departed this life surrounded by the love of her family on January 25, 2022. She was welcomed to Heaven in the loving arms of her brothers, Bob and Ed. Joan Evelyn Jewell was born in South Amboy, NJ, on January 21, 1935, to William and Evelyn Jewell. Joan graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1952, then worked for Metropolitan Insurance Co. She was set up on a blind date in 1956 by her forever friend, Patty, and met the love of her life, Virgil Gilkey, a sailor from Barberton, Ohio. That date led to their marriage on December 15, 1956, when a beautiful love story began that lasted over 65 years. Joan and Virgil moved to Ohio in 1957, eventually settling in Stow where they’ve resided for over 60 years and raised their three children. Joan worked at O’Neil’s Department store for some time, but her true calling was providing a loving home and being a wonderful mother and wife. Every night, she prepared a home cooked meal and made sure we ate dinner as a family. She spent countless hours baking treats to share at school and attending every activity, practice, and band concert - never missing a single opportunity to be there for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than family time, family vacations, and spending time with friends. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and William Jewell; stepfather, Joseph Henry, and her brothers, Robert and Edward. She is survived by her loving husband, Virgil, and their children, Cynthia Rich (Randy); Donald Gilkey (Joan), and Colleen Erwin (Jay); her grandchildren, Karla Garinger (Rick); Craig Rich (Victoria Gray); Cassandra Gilkey and Maggie Gilkey, and her step-great granddaughters. Joan is also survived my many nieces and nephews who all adored her and called her “Favorite Aunt,” as well as her goddaughter, Joanne Sklarek. We would like to thank the caregivers at the Gardens of Western Reserve for their care and dedication and especially, Holly Drum, for the time and love you provided, not just to Joan, but to our entire family. Services will be held Sunday, 5 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, where friends may call from 3 PM until service time. Burial Silver Springs Cemetery, Monday, 12:30 PM.