Joan Eaton of New Brighton MN (formally Wausau WI) passed away peacefully following a short hospital stay on January 2, 2025. She was a loving mother who faced life's challenges with resilience and an enduring hope for better things to come. Despite the struggles she encountered, she always found ways to help those around her. Her kindness and determination left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Joan will be remembered for her unwavering spirit and the love she shared with her family and friends. She is survived by her two children Paul Van Ooyen, and Karen Kaplan, her daughter-in-law Jennifer Van Ooyen, son-in-law Andy Kaplan, her partner Joel Duskey, brother Steve Eaton, her treasured grandchildren Ben, Dan, Zoe, Katie, Caden, Jacob, Paige, Alex, and her great grandchildren Ashlyn, Opal, Amaya, Abel, Ember, Dahlia and Maliya. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved son Peter Van Ooyen and brother Mike Eaton. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 3:00 p.m., Meadowood Shores, New Brighton. To celebrate her life as an animal advocate, please consider a donation to The Bond Between via their website (thebondbetween.org) in lieu of flowers.