Joan Mabel Westhrin

Joan Mabel Westhrin, of Port Orange, FL, age 87, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 20, 2018.  Joan was born May 22, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts, the eldest of three children of Theodore and Marion Anderson. Joan was predeceased by her brother, Gene.  Joan was also predeceased by her loving husband, Robert G. Westhrin, in 2001.  

Joan is survived by her four loving children, Scott R. Westhrin (Gloria) of Bangor, Maine; Lori W. Clifford of Ft. Myers, Florida; Robert G. Westhrin, Jr. (Karen) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Leanne E. Polhill (Alan) of Port Orange, Florida; and three grandchildren, Dakota Clifford, Elizabeth and Ethan Polhill.  She is also survived by her sister Judy of Brookline, Massachusetts and nieces Pamela and Lynn (grandniece Kelsey) and nephew, Allen.

Joan and her late husband, Bob, were the founders of Volusia County Hearing Aid Center in New Smyrna Beach, which they started in 1980 shortly after moving to Florida from Brewer, Maine in 1978.  Prior to relocating to Florida, Joan and Bob owned Downeast Specialties in Bangor, Maine with gift shops at the Bangor International Airport and in Ellsworth, Maine, specializing in hand crafted Maine gifts, antiques and fine jewelry.

Joan was a former member of First United Methodist Church of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she was very active in many committees and loved singing in the choir.  Joan was instrumental in the development of the “Faith House” thrift shop where she spent countless volunteer hours.  Joan was also a former member of Smyrna Yacht Club where she ran the Ship’s Store for several years.   Until her health no longer allowed, Joan thoroughly enjoyed her time as Librarian for the New Smyrna Museum of History where she treasured the many friends she made there.  Joan was also a Toastmaster and delighted in regaling her family with amusing stories and anecdotes told with her unique and joyful zest for life.  After moving to Port Orange, Florida in 2007, Joan joined Port Orange Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the choir.  Joan was always ready with a warm and encouraging word, a quick smile and a heart full of love  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service celebrating Joan’s  life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, 406 South Orange St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Wood Briar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

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