Joan Ellen Jarriel - Obituary

oan Ellen (née Borgeson) Jarriel, 89, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025. As the eldest daughter of George and Eleanor (née Raymond) Borgeson, she was born January 24, 1936, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Joan will be remembered as a wise, kind, and sensitive wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Tom. Joan and Tom were wed in a small ceremony and spent their early days as an Army couple at Ft Monmouth, NJ, later living in Texas, Georgia, Potomac, Maryland, Edgewater, Maryland, and Fort Pierce, Florida. She is survived by her three devoted sons: Michael (Marilyn), Stephen (Lisa), and Jeffrey (Catherine). Joan and Tom took great pride in their grandchildren—Jenna (Matt), Ryan (Holly), Tess (Craig), Bailey (Ben), Matthew, Kaylin, and Marina—and their great-grandchild, Luke. The eldest of three, Joan is survived by her dear brothers, Don (Marianne) and Bob (Beth), whose constant love and support brought her joy throughout her life. As Tom’s career took him across the United States and around the world, Joan managed their family and home with grace, always ready to welcome him back with open arms. Her talents as a homemaker and bookkeeper were exceptional, from her expertise in meal planning and financial management to her impeccable sense of style in decorating, gardening, and fashion. Joan’s keen eye for color and detail was a hallmark of her life, evident in her beautifully curated home and her creative pursuits, particularly her artistic paintings. Family time was Joan’s greatest treasure. She maintained close and loving relationships with her extended family and friends, often graciously hosting gatherings in her homes. Joan and Tom also shared a deep passion for their dogs, including a Collie, a Scottie, two Golden Retrievers, and finally their cherished Portuguese Water Dog, Skipper, who gave them focus and many opportunities to walk in their later years. Joan’s warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A private celebration of life will be hosted at a later date. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Joan, suggested charities include Humane Society of Treasure Coast (online here), Treasure Coast Food Bank (online here), and Doctors without Borders (online here).