Joan M. (Weller) McLane

Joan Marie McLane, age 75 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  Joan was born February 1, 1947, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Robert and Dorothy (Kowalski) Weller. She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School, class of 1965, and later became certified as a phlebotomist where she served the Michiana community for many years as a lab technician. While at Chippewa Bowling Alley one evening, Joan caught the eye of John McLane, and they developed a love that lasted a lifetime. They were married on June 5, 1971, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in South Bend and recently celebrated their 51st anniversary.

John survives, along with their children Doug (Kerri) McLane of Jacksonville, Florida, Anne (Brad) Bell of Elkhart, Indiana, Laura McLane of Westlake Village, California, Jennifer (Ian) Anderson of West Lafayette, Indiana, and David (Emily) McLane of Mercer, Pennsylvania.  Surviving as well are her stepchildren Tobin (Jimmy) McLane of Palm Desert, California and Trent (Marisa) McLane of San Jose, California, along with seventeen grandchildren (with another due in March of 2023) and her siblings Terri (Michael) Garland of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, James Weller of Loma, Colorado, and Robert (Ann) Weller of Granger, Indiana, and Brian Weller of South Bend, Indiana. Her brother-in-law, Ron Borkowski of Lexington, Kentucky is surviving as well. She was preceded in death by her sister Carol Borkowski, her brothers Steve and John Weller and her granddaughter Karsyn Joann Bell.

The McLane’s moved to Warsaw, Indiana and Joan took a job driving the School Bus for the Warsaw Community School System. After moving back to Mishawaka, she resumed her career in Phlebotomy until her retirement in 2013. 

She enjoyed crafts and baking. Her delicious holiday cookies were enjoyed by friends and family alike. She also made a trip to Denver to see the Pope and fulfilled a lifelong dream when she took a trip to Israel to spend time in the Holy Land.  

Joan was a longtime member of St. Bavo Catholic Church and volunteered her time with CCD and her women’s prayer group whom she formed strong bonds with over the past 17 years. Her generous spirit and love for the Lord was shown to others as she volunteered often and delivered communion to the homebound.  

Most of all, Joan loved being a wife, mother and grandmother to her family. She loved life and enjoyed spending time babysitting all of her grandchildren. Her gentle and kind soul will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Monday, January 16, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells) 503 W Third St. Mishawaka, with a Rosary service beginning at 7pm. There will also be one hour of visitation on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home prior to the 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bavo Catholic Church. Following services, Joan will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

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