Joan Laura Lane Hayes

Joan Laura Lane Hayes, 93, of Tabernash, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on September 5, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Joan, born on May 18, 1931 to Kenneth Samuel Lane Sr. and Mary MacNeill Tweddel Lane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, immediately brought joy, grace and laughter into the world and grew even stronger throughout her life. Joan went on to graduate from Downingtown High School, class of 1950 as an honor student and Secretary of her senior class.

Joan then became the beloved mother of four children, Daniel Joseph Hayes, Leslie “Hoppy” Anne Hayes, Edward Charles Hayes and Anne Lane Hayes.

Joan was a kind, loving and dedicated mom to her children, raising all four of them to go on to accomplish great things. Family came first and was above all else to Joan, a value she instilled in all those around her. Her grace and light touched not only her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but her extended family and the many loving friends and neighbors she cherished. The best way to describe Joan is that she was disarming with her beautiful smile and sunny disposition.

Due to her absolute love of books, it is fitting that Joan was a librarian at Lionville Elementary School for many years.

She enjoyed reading and could be found sitting in the sun with her Diet Pepsi and a good book. She also loved nature, especially her birds, and took long walks almost every afternoon and was known to hug a tree or two along the way.

Joan had a real passion for the arts, enjoying opera, ballet, and all styles of painters, especially the local artist’s works.

She loved horses and spent most of her younger years surrounded by them and riding the beautiful trails throughout Chester Springs. Joan was also an avid and loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved college basketball. Her team in later years was the Louisville Cardinals. She also enjoyed watching the Olympics and World Championships for all winter and summer sports. In addition, Joan loved road racing cycling and attended the Tour of Colorado in recent years with memories of her encouraging the riders ringing her cow bell with excitement and jubilation, befitting her warm and contagious personality.

Joan noted in her high school yearbook that she endeavored to travel the world. She accomplished that goal, traveling twice to Europe including her beloved Scotland, Canada and many places throughout the US.

Joan relocated from Chester County, Pennsylvania to Grand County Colorado about 35 years ago. She loved her Rocky Mountains and enjoyed the scenery and nature there.

She was especially fond of Native American history and did a lot to help support that community.

Joan was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Samuel Lane Sr., her loving mother, Mary MacNeill Tweddell Lane, and her three brothers, Kenneth Samuel Lane Jr., Bruce Wister Lane, and William Louis Lane. Joan is survived by her four children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s name to the Audubon Society. A celebration of Life in Joan’s honor is being planned for Saturday, October 5, 2024. Details will be announced at a later date.