Joan S. Van Baalen, age 88, died peacefully on August 1^st surrounded by her husband of 67 years, Jim, and children Susan Bea (Norman), Linda Jean, Ken (Ann) and grandchildren Melanie (Ben), Ross (Jordan), Kelly (Raghav), Nina, and Kaitlyn. A close friend described her as “the most generous, thoughtful, observant, funny and caring person”. 

Joan was born in Slatersville, Rhode Island to Myrtle G. (nee Tabor) and Woodrow W. Wilkins. She was predeceased by her sister, the Reverend Janice Meikle.  

Joan studied to become a Registered Nurse at Roger Williams Hospital in Rhode Island.  Over her lifetime she practiced as a School, Camp and Industrial Nurse. She had an exceptional bedside manner when dealing with someone in need.  She was a guardian for 19 years, for her cousin Mark, in RI, who was brain injured. 

Joan was devoted to her five grandchildren. It was always a special treat to visit Nana and Papa’s house where the activities included: creative snacks; crafts; parades; skits with costumes; fairy gardens, museum camp and homemade spa treatments. Her playful spirit, bondless creativity, and sense of fun made her a cherished presence in the lives of both children and adults. 

To know Joan was to know joy, her favorite word. People of all ages were drawn in by her quick wit, spicy retorts, positive spirit, and cheerful demeanor. Joan was a woman of great faith and an active participant in her church.  In NJ she established a weekly teenage fellowship group and led missions to Appalachia and the Native American church in Shinnecock, on Long Island. Island Joan was instrumental in establishing and serving in a key role, for Stephan Ministries, an outreach group, for her church in NJ, for 10 years. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. 

Joan was a wonderful, supportive wife, who began her married life in Heidelberg, Germany, then to RI, PA, IL and NJ where she raised her family then to Cape Cod 25 years ago.   

Joan loved her life in Brewster, MA and was able to travel to Canada, Alaska, Peru, Australia, Ecuador, New Zealand, and throughout the United States. She and Jim enjoyed winters in Jensen Beach, Florida where she happily cheered him on during Senior Softball as she did on Cape Cod. 

The Van Baalen family is forever grateful for the deep compassion, love and outstanding medical care given to Joan by the staff at Liberty Commons, Chatham, Massachusetts.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating in Joan’s memory to the Alzheimer's Family Support Center, 2095 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631. 

A memorial service is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Dennis Union Church, Dennis, MA.  The service will be streamed live at duchurch.org. The burial will be private. For online guestbook, www.hallettfuneralhome.com

Linda, So sorry to hear of the death of such a good mom.

Joan had a very special way about her with her smile and pleasantry. At the softball games on the Cape she cheer the local team and sometimes told what u did and wait to next time u would improve. Joan and Jim surely were a couple that loved each other dearly and good friends to all they met. JED

Some of my happiest memories as both a child and an adult are those times spent with your family. And that was in large part because of the joy and good humor that Mrs Van Baalen had. Always positive, always checking in with everyone else and just a beautiful person, inside and out. I am happy she’s at peace. And I am very sorry for your loss. ❤️ Kim

I was in nursing school with Joan and she was always a good friend to all of us. Some of us, fellow graduates, met up with her when she came back to RI from Germany, and had wonderful memories to share. I know she had a wonderful life with Jim, and I will always remember her fondly, My sincere condolences to all ..

Dear Jim & Family: All of those you were connected with at AFSC send our sincere condolences on Joan's passing. Pray you peace and comfort in recalling all the years of loving care even in the face of dementia. god bless!