Joan Joyce SHELL

2 OCT 1936 - 29 JAN 2022

• BIRTH: 2 OCT 1936, Plymouth, Marshall, IN
• DEATH: 29 JAN 2022, Grand Emerald Assisted Living, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 7 MAY 1955, Bremen, Marshall, IN

INDEX

[N31242] Joan Joyce Shell Yazel
October 2, 1936 ~ January 29, 2022 (age 85)

Joan Joyce (Shell) Yazel, 85, residing in South Bend, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Grand Emerald Assisted Living after a 7 month battle with cancer. She was born on October 2, 1936 in Plymouth to the late Howard and Thelma (Kiefer) Shell. On May 7, 1955 in Bremen, Indiana, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry G. Yazel, who preceded her in death on January 28, 2017. Joan is survived by daughters, Jill R. (Brent) Speraw of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Julie K. (Rolf) Schrader of Toledo, Ohio; sons, Jack S. Yazel of South Bend, and Jason L. (Sherry) Yazel of Russiaville, Indiana; grandchildren, Andrea (Matt) Hogg, Audrey (James) Purdie, Brandon Yazel, Blake Yazel, Justin Yazel, Jenna Yazel, and Cary (Matt) Malstaff; great-grandchildren, Liam Hogg, Elizabeth, Cynthia, and Torin Purdie; one brother, Jim (Carol) Shell of Bremen; one brother-in-law, Terry (Millie) Yazel of Inglis, Florida, and Joan’s lifelong friend, Bonnie Swett of Mishawaka. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Robert Shell; and three sisters, Martha Sheftic, Carolyn and Ruth Shell. The only thing Joan ever wanted was to get married and be a mom. She devoted her life to her children and never missed an important event in their lives. When her kids were all school age, she worked at Nuner Elementary as a lunch monitor, and when they left the nest, she worked for Center Management until retiring in 2000. Although the family traveled to many places across the U.S., her favorite destination was Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula, where she enjoyed the peace and quiet. Family gatherings with all the kids and grandkids brought her the greatest joy. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Grand Emerald Place with special thanks to Nicole and Heartland Hospice. Friends wishing to honor Joan are invited to make a donation to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Joyce Yazel, please visit our floral store.