Joan Marie Atwell

life story

A toast to Joan!

To a beautiful, fun-loving, and caring person. May you now celebrate and enjoy your furry friends and those you love in heaven.

About Joan

Joan was born in Beloit, Wisconsin to Archie and Elsa Backus. She married at 18 and was a great mother and wife. She worked hard as a cocktail waitress at Aliota's on Bluemound while raising two children and an abandoned dog named Tex in Waukesha.

She then headed west to Minnesota, Colorado - where she remarried - and Arizona. Joan became the owner/operator of a cleaning business for many years. Her clients included the owner of the NHL Minnesota North Stars Norm Green, the owners of Nabisco and many others.

An excellent cook, over the years Joan made dinner for high ranking military officials, Frank and Kathy Lee Gifford, President Ford, and others. For a short time she opened a restaurant/bar in Eagle, Colorado named Lillie's.

Joan spent her last five years back in Minnesota close to her daughter.

A "cat lady" through and through. She cared for MANY cats over the years and loved them all.

Joan enjoyed gardening, flowers and plants. She liked to fish and spend time outdoors, especially getting some sun. Always a social person, she loved cocktails, video poker and having a good time.

memorial service

No Service

Instead of a service take time to be with the ones you love. Be kind to all animals, especially cats.