Joan D. Dever passed peacefully at home on March 13, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born on December 7, 1930, in Wilmington, Delaware to Blanche and James DiMaio.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband Allan R. Dever and her sons Keith S. Dever (wife Isabel) from San Antonio, Texas, and Mark J. Dever (wife Karen) from Smyrna, Delaware, and several grandpets who she loved to give treats to! She especially learned to love pets later in life. Cats Phoenix, Jaguar and Finnis were her pride and joy and each could always be found snuggling on her lap.
Joan was a teller at the Bank of Delaware and told many tales of her favorite clients to whom she was a favorite teller. She was deeply involved in Keith and Mark’s schooling and activities. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and an integral part of the Mothers’ Guild at St. Edmonds and Archmere Academy. She served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Archmere Academy. She kept a beautiful home and was happiest there in Wilmington.
She loved following horse racing and regularly attended races at Delaware Park. She was most proud of attending all three Triple Crown races following Big Brown. She also got to meet Rachel Alexandra in person. She and Allan enjoyed traveling to numerous Notre Dame games in South Bend and one in Dublin, Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains, and Silverton, Colorado. She really enjoyed audio books on her Kindle and was a late adopter of Alexa who she spoke with about the weather every morning. She leaves a legacy of faith, love, devotion to family and service to others. She was such a joy and a blessing, and she will be SO greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike Wilmington 19803. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd. Wilmington, 19803..
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm are welcome.