Joan Florence Hasselman Brown

Joan Florence Hasselman Brown passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born on February 10, 1937 in New Haven, Connecticut to Frederick and Thelma Blaisdell Hasselman. She married Merton Warwick Brown, Jr. on August 10, 1957.

Born with an intelligent and spiritual nature, Joan has had encounters with the divine from an early age. After trying nursing school, and preparing to go to college in Kansas, she met Merton on a blind date in 1957. Torn between continuing her college education and her growing relationship with Mert, she turned to prayer. She received her answer by reading a story in the newspaper. Joan and Mert were married later that year in West Haven, Connecticut.

Joan and Mert became the parents of four children: Nancy, Douglas, Sally, and Kenneth.

Joan's passions were reading, cooking, and family. She continued her education by being a voracious reader of nonfiction; especially health and other self-help books. Her passion for cooking is reflected in her many cookbooks, and her large collection of cookware.

Her most meaningful roles in life were that of a being a wife and a mother.

Joan's spiritual nature lead her seek out the truth. In 1970, she and her family were introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joan and Mert, and their two oldest children were baptized members on June 6, 1970. Joan and her husband and children were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 8, 1971.

Joan is survived by her husband, Merton; her children, Douglas (JuVene), Sally (Marco Santa Maria) and Kenny (Sheri). Also survived by her 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and her brother, David Hasselman (Pat).

Preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert (Bobby) Hasselman; and her first daughter, Nancy Eileen Brown.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 23, 2019 at 11:00 am at the West Jordan River 2nd Ward, 1380 West 6785 South, where friends and family are invited to visit 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park.