Joan Mary Lamble
PHOENIX – Joan Mary Lamble, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, positivity, and a love of holidays.
Orphaned as an infant in summer 1938- Joan was assigned a birthdate of May 6, 1938 and was known as “Snow White” at the Wisconsin home for Dependent Children until her adoption in 1942. She was given the name Joan Mary by her adoptive parents Albin & Evah Nelson of Superior, Wisconsin. Joan enjoyed a happy childhood with a loving family. When life took the Nelson’s to California, Joan attended Bellflower High School graduating in 1956. Later that same year, she married Ernest M. Wheeler on November 9, 1956. During the course of their marriage- she gave birth to four children; Ernest Jeffrey “Jeff ”, angel baby David, Cynthia “Cindy”, and Oren. The family eventually settled in Phoenix, AZ where Joan was an elementary school teacher in the Alhambra School District. Joan loved the color blue (which matched her eyes), playing piano, coffee, sweets, flowers, dogs, birds, Hallmark Channel, The Beach Boys, Julie Andrews, Kenny Rogers and endless antiques. In her second chapter of life, she married long-time friend Harbourne “Hap” Lamble and they lived very happily in Prescott until his passing.
Late in life, Joan learned of her biological heritage through DNA and finally had some answers to the mystery of her birth. Her biological parents were Nellie and Vernon Kennedy of Wausau, Wisconsin, and her true date of birth was June 28, 1938. She spent her last years, enjoying two different birthdays! She was also able to speak with full biological siblings and have connections she never expected, but truly loved. At age 80, Joan moved into BridgeWater Assisted Living in Midtown Phoenix. Her fellow residents & special staff members became treasured friends to the very end.
Joan is survived by her brother: Rodney “Tobe” Nelson, 3 children: Jeff Wheeler, Cindy Stover & Oren Wheeler, 7 grandchildren: Kristy Kay, Kayla, Kourtney, Ali, Chris, Ryan & Jake, and 6 great-grandchildren: Kai, Presley, Capri, Mykah, Rosie & Christopher. At her request, Joan’s ashes will be placed in a spot she chose in her beloved Prescott, AZ. In lieu of flowers, Joan would request that you “give yourself a hug” (always her signature parting words).