Joan Ellen Borman, the center of so much, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and listening to Willie Nelson, on September 9th, 2024. She was almost 92 years old.

Joan was born on September 24th, 1932 to Harold and Helen Lytie in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She spent her entire childhood and young adult life there, taking notice of a cute, red-headed boy working at his family's butcher shop, Palace Food Market, when she was a sophomore in high school. She was more than happy to run frequent errands when her mom forgot anything and, after enough loitering, Richard Borman noticed her, too. They were married September 29th, 1951 at St. Patrick's Church in Green Bay and, for more than 60 years, "loved each other bunches."

They built a house and started a family in Green Bay before moving to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in 1967, where they turned the big house on Coleman Street hill into a beautiful family institution. Joan devoted her life to her family, raising eight kids and becoming a Grandma—then "Nana" when "Grandma" sounded "too old"—to twenty grandkids. Her door was always open and her cookie jar was always full, and she loved a good margarita. She stocked a full bag of gummy bears in the pantry for her grandkids, and let them pick the flavors of her homemade Jell-O popsicles. She was an excellent cook and believed dinner should start with a cocktail and end with dessert, preferably ice cream. She would cross-stitch and sew and every member of the family has at least one article of clothing she mended. She loved a good deal and especially liked finding free "treasures" at the Madeline Island Closet. Her green thumb is legendary, and her garden was a sight to see every summer. Every Christmas she transformed that big house into a fully-decorated wonderland and made sure no one licked their fingers when they decorated Christmas cookies. She kept track of what was going on in everyone's lives, rarely missing a sporting or notable event and never missing a birthday. She loved being a Nana, singing the same two goodnight lullabies and tickling her grandkids' arms while they sat in her lap (sometimes 3-4 deep!) on the recliner. She filled her house with love and magic, and everyone looked forward to time spent and memories made there, with her. She was the heart of a big family and will be missed by so many.

Joan is survived by her eight children: Richard Borman (Kathy O'Connor), Robert Borman, Randy (Sue) Borman, Russ (Cheri) Borman, Kathy Borman (Randy Nyhus), Mary O'Connell, Bill (Deb) Borman, and Joe (Meg) Borman. Twenty grandchildren continued growing the family: Ashley Borman (Jason Wischer), Kate Borman (Di Page), RJ Borman, Tara Borman, Taylor Borman (Nick Boehm), Michael Borman (Katie Zeuli), Marisa (Dan) Daum, John (Margaret) Borman, Veronica (Chris) Van Horn, Chris Borman, Laura (Nick) Laughlin, Brady Nyhus, Karley (Tayler) Schoenberg, Kaci (Lane) O'Connell, Kellen (Sam) O'Connell, Drew Borman, Grace Borman (Abraham Miranda), Kennedy Borman, Max Borman and Clare Borman. Joan was even lucky enough to meet and love on seventeen great-grandchildren: Eliana, Trevin and Jaxton Wischer, Liam Boehm, Chasen and Avery Borman, Lily, Emma, Ava, Samuel, Josiah and William Van Horn, Isaac Reynolds, Cedar Schoenberg, Reilly and Kyler O'Connell, and Itzelle Miranda. What a life she nurtured and legacy she left behind.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Helen Lytie, parents-in-law Roland and Marie Borman, her doting husband of almost 61 years, Richard Borman, brother-in-law James Borman, sister-in-law Sister Rolanda (Lois) Borman, and son-in-law Patrick O'Connell.

At the end of her life, Joan received exceptional care from the Heartland Hospice team. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for making those last few days on Coleman Street comfortable and peaceful.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 23rd, 2024 at ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH (810 Pearl Street, Chippewa Falls) beginning at 10:00 AM until time of mass at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Alex Kren will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon at the Fill Inn immediately after.

In honor of Joan, turn on a little Willie Nelson and toast a margarita to the sky. Her (almost) 92 years were full of life and love and prioritizing family, and she left her little corner of the world better for being in it.