July 18, 1930 – January 5, 2025

Joan Cox Sheldon, 94, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, in Friday Harbor, WA, surrounded by family. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Joan was a registered nurse, entrepreneur, seamstress, chocolatier, and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She studied nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. In 1974 Joan was head nurse in the Cardiac wing of Hunterdon Medical center, Flemington, NJ before moving to San Juan Island in 1975. She became Director of Nursing at the Convalescent Center in Friday Harbor. A creative spirit and tireless doer, Joan opened several cherished businesses including Little Chic (NJ), Springtree Restaurant, Casa San Juan, and a well-loved chocolate shop.

She is predeceased by her husband, Arnold Sheldon, and her daughter Kathleen Bacon. She is survived by her children Dan (Frances), Kimberly, Karen (Tom), and Holly (Michael); her grandchildren Bronwyn (Devin), Daryl (Stacie), Ceradwen (Luke), Trefor (Alyssa), Jessica, Erika and Phaedra and her great-grandchildren Mia, Chaucer, Carson, and Jackson.

Joan will be remembered for her wit, warmth, fierce independence, and devotion to family and friends. A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choosing.