In Memory
Joan M. (Derby) Waite
December 1, 1947 ~ June 22, 2023 (age 75)
I, Joan Derby Waite, passed over, under, around, or through on June 22,2023. I fought a courageous battle with a rare cancer-Ocular Melanoma. I was born on December 1, 1947, to John J. and Kathryn Derby in South Bend, IN. I graduated from Riley High School in 1965 and shortly thereafter, married my high school sweetheart, Tom Waite, who passed away in 2010. Tom and I were blessed with 2 children Stephanie (David) Devenney of Florida and Jeff (Ellen) Waite of Fort Wayne, IN. Who in turn blessed us with 2 grandchildren, Allison and Brendan Waite.
Also left behind is my beloved sister, Ann Kirkwood, her children, and grandchildren. Leaving my family behind is the hardest thing I will ever do. Besides my family, I had a few great friends and several good friends throughout my life.
I worked in the wonderful “field” of land surveying from 1981 thru 2007. I attributed most of my wrinkles to working out in the elements all those many years (also a contributing factor could be the fact that I smoked for over 50 years.)
When people remember me, I hope they remember my love of animals, it is only secondary to my love of family and friends. I would hope they remember that I always chose to be myself, that I had a quick and dark sense of humor and opted for “salty language” in almost every situation. I loved to dance and after a cocktail or two, was quite skilled in mingling.
Later in life, I was able to scratch several things off my “bucket list” including sky diving, ballroom dancing, zip lining, learning to shoot a pistol, visiting a nudist colony, and traveling to Alaska. I enjoyed my life! While you are able, I hope you enjoy yours too!
In my memory, please donate to the Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN. 46614.
My last smoke will occur in the crematorium after my death.
My family is planning a celebration of life towards the end of July. If you attend, please share a lighthearted fun story or memory about our times together. Laugh, drink, and toast to me for having lived my best life.
06/26/2023 EJS
James W Miller (1965)
I met Joan at the 53rd reunion. As fate would have it, we were seated next to each other. Near the end of the evening she asked if I can dance and would I like to follow her to the American Legion in South Bend..........evey saturday night for the next several months we enjoyed dancing and mingling with her favorute friends Janine and Sandy. Joan was one of a kind: a great lady with a great heart and, yes, a saltiness even an ex-Navy vet like me could not match!!! Halloween contest at the Legion hall in October of 2017 was a time to shine for her as Sister Mary Vulgarity.......WOW!!!!
Very much love and miss ya Joanie
Jim Miller