Joan M. Whitton
1940 - 2021

Joan M. Whitton Evans

OLEAN - Joan M. Whitton Evans, formerly of West State Street, passed away Sunday (April 25, 2021) at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Olean, after a lengthy illness.

Born Jan. 3, 1940, in Olean, she was the daughter of Clarence and Helen Shaffer Whitton. On Sept. 30, 1967, at St. Mary of the Angels Church, in Olean, she married Michael G. Evans, who predeceased her Sept. 7, 1996.

Joan was a 1957 graduate of Olean High School. She worked for J.C. Penny Co. where she applied her natural-born artistic talents for its store displays. In keeping with her personality, years later she would be shopping, and much to her daughter's mortification, re-design the store displays before leaving with her purchases!

She loved working with children as an aide for BOCES, and after meeting her best friend Marlene Collins at Washington West Elementary School, together they would create backdrops for school concerts.

She also would often stay up until the wee hours, making cards, banners and posters that were special treasures for her friends. Her favorite project by far, was helping to create Marlene Collins' "Gingerbread House" in Allegany, of which several pieces are still displayed at Allegany's "Santa House."

Joan will be remembered as a kind listener who would sit with strangers and know their life story by the end of their chat. Her dining room table was the gathering spot for friends and family to chat, draw, play and laugh. She remains the "newspaper-ball-in-the-ceiling-fan" champion, a made-up game her family and friends will always remember.

Surviving are three children, Kelly (Todd) Lovell of Allegany, Michael (Tara) Evans of Hinsdale and Molly (Steve) Winters of Allegany; six grandchildren, Savannah, Ryan and Casey Evans and Jacob Lovell, Joshua Lovell and Emily Winters, all of whom lovingly referred to her as "Grandma Coo-Coo;" a niece, Julie (Jeff) Rapp; special cousins Chuck and Theresa Shaffer and Marlene Anastasia; and her Pines family of caregivers, who lovingly made her a part of their lives for so many years.

Per Joan's wishes, there will be no visitation or formal service. However, knowing how her kids (don't) listen, there might be a celebration of her life at a later date and will be announced.

Memorials may be made to either The Pines-Olean Resident's Council, 2245 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760, or to Christmas In Allegany, c/o Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.

Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Olean Times Herald on Apr. 28, 2021.