BELLEVIEW, Florida---Joan Claire Branigan Becker, 89, of Belleview, FL, formerly of Bancroft, NE, passed away at the Grace Davis Hospice House in Ocala, FL, on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.
Joan was born in Omaha, NE on October 5th,1934 to Berniece (Sage) and Bernard Branigan. She was the firstborn and had three younger brothers. She grew up in the Cathedral area of Omaha, and attended St Cecilia’s Cathedral elementary and high school. She was in the Honor Society and was at the top of her class.
She was married to Bruce Marr at St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha, NE in 1951. To this union twelve children were born. The couple moved to Grand Island, Lyons, and eventually settled in Bancroft, NE where they owned Marr’s Star Market and Locker Plant for over 15 years. While in Bancroft, Joan was active with the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the pro-life movement, was a CCD teacher, and in the Altar Society. She was active with other county and civil groups and always loved to be involved. She was a great cook, seamstress, and could teach herself how to do most anything. She was the greatest “fix-it” person around, always ready to tinker with something until it was working again. She loved a clean house and a well-set dinner table to welcome anyone that happened to stop by at mealtime. The Marr home in Bancroft had a revolving door for all the neighborhood kids. Joan and Bruce later divorced.
In 1978 Joan and the youngest 5 children moved to Florida to be closer to her mother. Soon thereafter she married Robert Becker of Madison, NE. A new chapter of her life began. Together, the couple and the children enjoyed life at their acreage in Belleview, FL. Joan was very active in St. Theresa’s Catholic parish, the Ocala Chamber of Commerce, and together they were involved with the Thoroughbred horse community and the bowling league. Joan and Bob enjoyed yearly summer driving trips to Nebraska, always stopping at their favorite casino along the way.
She worked as a sales representative at WMOP Radio station in Ocala, FL for many years, retiring in her late 70’s. Besides selling advertising, she was also known as radio host “Joanie B.” She met and interviewed many country western stars including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Rogers. She was emcee at many of the concerts sponsored by the radio station.
She loved to travel. She went on a tour of Ireland with her son, cruises and excursions with her daughters, and many trips with her dear friend Carol Carpenter. She always looked forward to the next family gathering or vacation. Joan had a great sense of adventure and a fiery personality! She loved going out to eat, being the area's most notable food critic! At 87, she completed her “bucket list” by jumping out of a plane at 10,500 feet and skydiving. When asked what her doctor had to say about that, her reply was “I didn’t discuss it with him!” Other notable activities she crossed off her bucket list were kayaking, white water rafting, zip lining, parasailing, swimming with the dolphins, and petting stingrays. She did ride on an elephant but would not recommend it! She started a 2nd bucket list and rode in a hot air balloon in the Great Smoky Mountains. She loved to spend hours talking to her children and grandchildren, whether on the phone or in person, giving advice (solicited or not) telling stories, and catching up on their lives. She loved to decorate for every holiday and won many Christmas decorating contests, even back in the days she lived in Bancroft. In days gone by she loved to teach her grandchildren how to play Tetris and Mario Bros. on the Nintendo and how to say tongue twisters and nursery rhymes. Every grandchild has an interesting story to tell about Grandma.
Joan is survived by eight of her twelve children, Dan (Kathy Dillow) of Earl, NC, Jim (Twyla) of Norfolk, NE, Tom (Patti) of Whiting, IA, Terry (Cathie) of Wichita, KS, Diane (Dana Leffler) of West Point, NE, Marty of Shinglehouse, PA, Michelle (Dan Kelley) of Simpsonville, SC, and Cathy (Brad) Hoffman of Shinglehouse, PA. She is also survived by 38 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren (with 2 on the way), 1 great-great grandchild, and sister-in-law Pam Branigan. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Many close friends will mourn her loss, including several that visited her on a regular basis in the last weeks of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Becker, her ex-husband Bruce Marr, daughter Sandy Rose, sons David Marr, Rick Marr and Ronnie Marr, grandchildren Bridget Marr, Matthew Marr, and Brian Marr. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law Bob and Karen Branigan and brothers Bernie and Bruce Branigan.
Joan’s family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and messages of condolence.
Funeral arrangements are pending with plans for a Celebration of Life in Belleview, FL and a funeral Mass in Omaha, NE at a later date.
The family is being assisted locally by Kev in J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Joan, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
