Joan E. (Parkes) Kraft
January 19, 1935 - May 23, 2021
Joan E. (Parkes) Kraft, age 86, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021.
Born in Minneapolis, MN, on January 19, 1935, she was a daughter of the late John A. and Olga (Tarasar) Parkes. Prior to retiring, Joan worked as a respiratory therapist, primarily in the emergency unit, at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. She was an active member of the Newark Senior Center who enjoyed playing Mahjong, Poker, and other card games. Joan loved big batch cooking and was well known for her homemade chili, cabbage rolls, stews, turkey soup and numerous casseroles containing tuna or chicken. She also took pleasure in fishing. More than anything, Joan cherished her loving family.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Ann Garland and Margaret Louise Chamberlain and her former husband John C. Kraft. She is survived by her children, Christine L. Kraft of Newark and John, husband of Alison (Andrews) Kraft of Auburn, PA; grandchildren, Karen, wife of Robert Richard, Michael Kraft, Nicole Kraft, and Juan, husband of Eleni (Hindle) Bustos-Diaz. Joan is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Robert Ridgley, Elise Richard, Joseph Richard, Harrison Kraft, Dean Kraft, Katarina Kraft, and Kye Queen.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the CDC and Governor of Delaware.
Maria Prince
I will always have fond memories of Cousin Joan. She was part of a trip or sisters that were first cousins to my mother and her two sisters- always close and always full of fun.
Times as a child visiting Rehobeth beach searching for horseshoe crabs will always be with me
Maria Prince
Julie Abel
She was the best Aunt I could have ever asked for – funny, caring, supportive. I loved all of her crazy tchotchkes, her laughter, going to the rock shows together, playing cards, talking about family history, hitting the casino, going antique shopping, looking at jewelry and rocks, going to Longwood and the history museum, checking out Christmas decorations and just hanging out together and talking. She filled the place of my mother on many nights together and phone calls talking about life and why things happen the way they do. She helped me to process and overcome the greatest hardship of my life and I attribute much of my sanity to her involvement in my life. I am so so so thankful that we connected when I moved out East. She has been like a Grandma to my kids and we are all going to miss her very very much. Although it was unexpected and I wish I could see her one more time, I’m glad that she was able to be independent and active up until the end. Christine, John, Alison and the whole gang, we are praying for you all and sending our sincerest condolences. Love, Julie & family
Eileen Andrews
What a legacy of love Joan gave to her family. I remember her cheerful voice and her positive attitude. May her smiles stay with your family forever.
Kathy Garges
Aunt Joan was the first Minnesotan I knew, and she gave me a lasting positive impression of that state and its people. I’ll remember her well, reminded by the wonderful photos. Condolences to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.