Mrs. Joan Annette Fleisher, 78, of Galesburg, Illinois formerly of Knoxville passed away peacefully at 6:50 pm Monday, December 2, 2019 at Heartland Healthcare Center with her daughter by her side.
Joan was born November 27, 1941 in Galesburg the daughter of Clifford and Moleta Napier Gordon. She married William H. Watkins, Jr on January 4, 1964 in Knoxville. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1978.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Kari (and Oscar) DePauw of Altona, Illinois; three grandchildren, Kevin (and Taylor) Frye and Sydney and Alison DePauw; two great grandchildren, Graham and Brodie Frye; two nephews, Joel (and Tonya) Gordon and Steve (and Teresa) Gordon and her dog, Lexi. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Michael “Mick” Gordon.
Joan graduated from Knoxville High School in 1960 and Galesburg Cottage Hospital Nursing program, receiving her RN in 1963. After graduating she continued to work for Galesburg Cottage Hospital in the surgical and obstetrics departments. She later worked for the Knoxville Clinic from 1978-1988. Joan had also worked for OSF St. Mary Medical Center and Knox County Nursing Home, retiring in 2006. She was a member of the Galesburg Cottage Hospital Alumni Association. Joan enjoyed horses, painting, and dancing especially ballet.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Cremation will follow visitation with a graveside service at 10:00 am Saturday, December 7, 2019 in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
