Joan D. “Moi” (Bredeau) Westman, 76, of Fairfield, currently a resident at Glenridge in Augusta, died peacefully on Aug. 10 after a long struggle with failing health. Her children were at her side.
Joan was born on Oct. 28, 1938 in Bremen, the daughter of the late Joseph and Idella (Kelley) Bredeau. She was one of eight children. Joan attended schools in Waldoboro and then moved with her sister Shirley to work at a bakery in Portland when they were teenagers. She later worked at Sylvania for several years until she became a full-time housewife and mother. Joan enjoyed spending time with family, loved fashion, shopping and visiting the Maine coast. She was a wonderful cook. She was lovingly known as “Moi” by her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her former husbands, Francis E. Gruhn of Waldoboro and Orick E. Westman of Canaan; daughter, Pamela Gruhn; brothers, Joseph Bredeau of Portland, Louis Bredeau of Waldoboro, George Bredeau of Waldoboro, and Richard Bredeau of Boothbay Harbor; and sisters, Mary Bredeau of Waldoboro and Shirley Stone of Chelsea, Mass.
She leaves behind children, David Gruhn of Bristol, Conn., Mary Bixby and husband Joseph of Oakland, Frank Gruhn of Fairfield, Robert Westman and daughter-in-law Bobbi-Jo of Oakland, and Patricia Hagerty and son-in-law Patrick of Clinton; sister, Jeanette Wells of Melrose, Mass.; granddaughter, Emily Hagerty of Clinton with whom she shared a very special relationship; grandson, Christopher Gruhn of Waterville; step-grandsons, Dorian and Zachary French of Fairfield; step-granddaughter, Ashley Trembly of Old Hickory, Tenn., and Danielle Bixby of Smithfield; step-great granddaughter, Claire Bell of Smithfield; along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life to honor Joan at 1 p.m., Sat., Aug. 22 at the VFW on 246 Main St., Fairfield.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast.
