Joan D. Gaul - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Joan D. Gaul

October 28, 1932 - December 4, 2018


Joan D. Gaul, age 86, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Collingdale, PA on October 28, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Kathryn (Gallagher) Hoesch.  Joan worked as a secretary with Pennoni Associates in Wilmington, retiring after a long career.

On her 18th birthday, Joan married the love of her life.  For the next 68 years they walked hand in hand on a wonderful journey together.  After raising their children, Joan became “Grammy,” a role in which she reveled. There was no greater joy in her life than being with and talking about, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joan’s happiest times were with her family when they all regularly gathered together to enjoy each other.

She is survived by her loving husband, John P. Gaul; children, Andrea Wozny (Michael), John Gaul (Joann) and Joan Smedberg; grandchildren,  Mika Blackburn (Brian), Megan Reynolds (Chad), Jamie Gaul, Jonathan Gaul, Ashley Douglas (Brent) and Richard Smedberg (Pauline); and great grandchildren, Matthew Blackburn, Brooke Blackburn, Brayden Reynolds and Steven Douglas.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 11 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at St. Margaret of Scotland R.C. Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE 19702, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am.  Interment will be held privately in All Saints Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to St. Margaret of Scotland R.C. Church, Building Fund at the address listed above or Seasons Hospice of Delaware, 220 Continental Drive, Ste. 101, Newark, DE 19713.

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18 Condolences for Joan D. Gaul

  • Another Crescent Drive star has dimmed. Mrs. Gaul drove us to elementary school in her big brown Pontiac, 8 or 9 kids in the back seat, older kids sat on the back seat, younger, and lighter kids, sat on our laps, no seatbelts. Mrs. Gaul organized the neighborhood kids to sing carols on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Gaul yanked out our loose baby teeth when our moms just couldn’t do it and Mrs. Gaul was the one who jammed on the brake when my mom, who was learning how to drive, took her hands off the steering wheel, turned around to slap me because she thought I was acting up, but kept her foot on the gas pedal. The car jumped the curb but fortunately came to a stop before hitting any houses. Regardless of what those may say, it wasn’t my fault! Mrs. Gaul, I can’t call you Joan, it just doesn’t sound right, thanks for so many great memories. You will be missed. Rest in Peace and Godspeed.

  • So well said Joe. Our childhood was wonderful and memorable because of Mrs. Gaul (I also can’t call her Joan, it is part of the respect that our parents instilled in us).
    Rest in peace.

  • Andi,

    My deepest condolences to you and your family.

    Teresa York
    GBHC

  • Dear Andi, I was so sorry to hear this news.your mom fought the good fight. You were the best of daughters through many years, most especially this last one. I am here for you. Beverly

  • I am so sorry for your loss. Joan was clearly very loved and will be missed. What has comforted me in times like these is the promise at Revelation 21:4 which says, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I hope this might comfort you as well. If you need anyone to talk to feel free to email me.

  • Sorry to have just seen this note about Mrs. Gaul—she was always so nice to me. Sounds like she had a large, beautiful, loving family and will be missed by all. Mr. Gaul, I hope that you are well.

    Thinking of you and John, and Joannie and the rest of the family in this time of sorrow.

    God Bless and take care.

    Jim Dill

  • Andi,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

  • John and the entire Gaul family: So very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was truly a very Classy Lady who will be very much missed. We have very fond memories of many great and fun times we all shared at your beach house. Hope to be able to attend the serves but if not be assured you all are in our thoughts and prays. God Bless!

  • Dear Andrea and Family,

    I am so very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Please accept my deepest and most Sinere Sympathy….

    God Bless You All

  • Dear Andi and Family,
    I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. You, Michael and Joan were true angels in providing for her care the last several months. God Bless!

  • Andi,

    I am so sorry for your loss. You have been an amazing caregiver to your Mom – how blessed you were to have each other. May your many wonderful memories comfort you, and the love of family and friends support you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    With love,

    Charlene

  • Andi, your mother was beautiful. You look very much like her. I loved your video and your Mom was so full of life and I know she enjoyed every bit of it. So sorry you lost her. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his arms around you and your family and give you peace. Love, Barbara D.

  • Don and I are sad to hear of the loss of Joan, a charming, kind and remarkable lady. Your family memories hopefully will help all of you during this difficult time.

  • Uncle John, my deepest sympathies to you
    and your whole family. Aunt Joan was the one
    person that Mary truly connected with and
    loved so dearly. So very sorry for her passing.
    Wm Hoesch

  • Dear John & family. We are saddened for your loss. John & I have such wonderful memories of times spent with you both in Del. & Cape May. A beautiful couple who always brightened the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Hi John, I am so sorry to just read about Joan. It breaks my heart to think about you losing your best friend in life. Me and my wife DEBORAH want to say John if you ever want to stop by our house and spend some time your always welcome. 16866 Essex Rd in Millpond acres in Lewes
    Off of rt 1. You are still the best BOSS I EVER WORKED FOR. AND DON’T FORGET IT.

  • Dear Uncle John, Andi,John, & Joanie-
    Very sad to hear about Aunt Joan’s death. Still remember when she & Uncle John came to visit
    my Dad & Mom(plus Paul & I) on 14th St. Then I remember their wedding at BVM in Darby. She was
    the first bride I ever remember seeing- she looked like a princess. I also remember she & my mom took a bunch of us little kids to the Darby Theatre to see the Disney movie “Cinderella”. We all were blessed to have someone like her & Uncle John in our lives. I hope all in your family take comfort knowing she is
    reunited with her parents, brothers & sister now. Waiting for all those she loved. Much love, Kathy

  • Dear Uncle John and family, so very sorry to hear of Aunt Joan’s passing. Nothing but fond memories of her in her younger premarriage days and then the big day in 1950. She will always be in my thoughts and prayers. May the Perpetual Light shine upon her, May she Rest In Peace In the presence of The Lord.