Joan A Wilson, Phd

Joan A. Wilson passed away suddenly on July 30, 2016.

She was a kind, compassionate woman who always saw the good in others and cared about making this world a better place.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother that always placed her family before herself.  She was a very giving person who always helped a stranger in need.  She will be greatly missed.

Joan was born in Akron, Ohio and spent some time growing up in Wolverhampton, England due to her father's work assignment with Goodyear Tire.  However, she lived most of her life in this area.  After raising two children she returned to college and became an excellent student.  She attended Kent State University, where she obtained an undergraduate degree, a Master's degree, and a PHD in Psychology.  She became a licensed psychologist and was devoted to serving others for over 25 years.  She loved her work and the opportunity to help others rise above their challenges and realize their full potential.  She enjoyed volunteering for worthy causes such as juvenile diabetes and mental health issues.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Della Wilson, her infant sister, Nancy Wilson, and the father of her children and life-long friend Gary Zesiger.

She is survived by her son, Donald (Rosanne) Zesiger of Tallmadge; daughter, Monica (Steve) Bitting of Deland, Florida; grandchildren, Carly, Adam, and Steven Zesiger, Julie and Erica Bitting; brother Bruce Wilson (Jeanette) of Hudson; brother David (Linda) Wilson of Silver Lake; and many close friends and professional associates too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (on the historic Tallmadge Circle), with Fr. Paul Rosing and Rev. Pam Gable officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday prior to the service.

Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 800 Market Ave N #1200, Canton Ohio 44702,  www.nami.org