Mary Joann Emmelhainz Westin

Mrs. Mary Joann Emmelhainz Westin, age 82 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Friday, January 20, 2012, at Heisinger Bluffs Retirement Center. She was born on October 6, 1929, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Carl and Maple Grove Emmelhainz. She was united in marriage on April 5, 1952, at St. John Lutheran Church in Grove City, Ohio, to Charles L. Westin. Joann attended public school in Grove City, and graduated from high school in 1947. She attended Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in the Sociology Program in 1951. Following graduation and marriage, Joann was employed briefly by the Nationwide Insurance Company of Columbus, and the Mid-Continent Chemical Company of Grove City. Joann devoted her life to caring for her family, raising her three sons and doing volunteer work for her church. In addition, she loved music and singing in the church choir as well as being very active in church women's groups. She also loved to read, do cross stitching projects and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. During 2002, Joann became ill with an early stage of Dementia. Even though the onset of the disease was causing some challenges, she continued to enjoy living as much as possible. However, the disease progressed and in late 2005 the decision was made to relocate the then family residence from Florida to the Heisinger Bluffs Independent Living facility. In early 2007, the disease was diagnosed as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and it became necessary in 2009 to move her to the Care Center at Heisinger Bluffs for skilled nursing care. Survivors include: her husband, Charles L. Westin; three sons, Stephen (Karen) Westin of Holts Summit, Mo., Jeffrey (Shelia) Westin of Richmond, Ky. and Bradley (Kathy) Westin of Lynn, Mass.; one sister, Kathleen MacKay of Seattle, Wash.; one brother-in-law, Robert Scheiderer of Marysville, Ohio; five grandchildren, Caitlyn, Emma, Hannah, Nicholas and Zachary; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, LouEllen in infancy, Eileen VanAtta and Beatrice Scheiderer; and two brothers-in-law, Charles T. MacKay and W. Neil VanAtta. A memorial service for family and invited friends will be held at Heisinger Bluffs at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2012. A Celebration of Life will be held later at St. George Lutheran Church in Brighton, Mich. with interment in St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund at Heisinger Bluffs Retirement Center, 1002 West Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109 or Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe Street, Suite 100, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com