Ms. Joan J. LeFaivre

JOAN LeFAIVRE OBITUARY Joan J. LeFaivre passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, after a long blessed life of family, friends, work, play, and faith. Born on the 24th of August in a year that will remain forever shrouded in secrecy, Joan was the daughter of Paul and Dorothy (Wildner) LeFaivre of Baltimore and raised in Govans with her beloved sisters, the late Leslye (Carson) and Dorothy (Cadigan). Joan shared countless good times with her sisters and their families. She especially adored being the doting aunt to her nieces and nephews (and great-aunt and chief cheerleader to their children). After graduating from Eastern High School, Joan joined Dawn’s Office Supply on Charles Street as a sales representative. Under the mentorship of the company’s founder (and Joan’s dear friend) Thomas Kennedy, Joan served in many roles during her career at Dawn’s, including sales, design, and administration, and was instrumental in the company’s growth and eventual expansion into vintage office furniture and decor. In 1990, she was named President of Dawn’s Office Supply, a position she held until her retirement in 2020. Driven by a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, Joan encouraged and inspired everyone to give their all to whatever work and passions they pursued. A dedicated member of Gregory Memorial Baptist Church and later University Baptist Church, Joan was well known for her generosity and support of many faith-based and charitable organizations. She always stressed with her loved ones the importance of worship and giving back to the community. Joan loved horses and racing. She enjoyed taking friends and children to the stables to meet horses she admired. At one time, she owned a horse named “Mother Teresa” and donated its winnings to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. She even met Mother Teresa in 1984 and told her of the horse. Joan said Mother Teresa was clearly touched (after Mother Teresa’s initial confusion that Joan was giving her a racehorse as a gift). Joan also had a passion for real estate and enjoyed hunting for houses in the Baltimore area and renovating them for future tenants and owners. A woman of impeccable taste, Joan's expert design skills and personal style always came in handy, whether renovating and decorating properties or her own home. Her entrepreneurial spirit was also evident when she opened a vintage & antique shop in Rodgers Forge. She knew how to spot bargains and strike fair deals. Many houses around the state have beautiful pieces Joan found and sold over the years. Most of all, Joan had a wonderful infectious laugh and always enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. She was there for holiday parties, sports, school plays, church events, and backyard crab feasts. Especially crab feasts. Joan was loved by all those who spent time with her and blessed with a wide circle of friends, including her devoted companion Jennie Ritter. Jennie was a constant presence at Joan’s side and served as caregiver when Joan’s health recently declined. Joan’s nieces and nephews — Terri Forand, Toni Hiteshew, Scott Carson, Wayne Carson, Robb Cadigan, David Cadigan, Claudia Anton, and their families — will miss “Aunt Joan/Auntie/JJ” beyond measure and will treasure the memories of a strong independent woman who loved her community, her work, and her faith. Friends may call at MITCHELL-WIEDEFELD FUNERAL HOME INC, 6500 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212 on Friday, April 25th from 4-7PM. A Memorial Service will be held at University Baptist Church, 3501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please offer help and kindness to neighbors and strangers today. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to LIFE Outreach International, PO Box 982000, Fort Worth, TX 76182-8000 or Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825. No racehorses, please. On March 27, 2025 Joan J. LeFaivre, beloved daughter of the late Dorothy (nee Wildner) and Paul Stewart LeFaivre; devoted sister of the late Leslye L. Carson and the late Dorothy J. Cadigan; dear friend and companion of Jennie Ritter. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Friends may call at MITCHELL-WIEDEFELD FUNERAL HOME INC. 6500 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 on Friday, April 25th from 4-7PM. A Memorial Service will be held at University Baptist Church 3501 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218 on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to LIFE Outreach International PO Box 982000 Fort Worth, TX 76182-8000 or Save the Children 501 Kings Highway East Suite 400 Fairfield, CT 06825