Thibodaux, Louisiana – Joan E. Fain, formerly of Racine, passed away in Thibodaux at the age of 71. She was born in Burlington on March 17, 1940, daughter of the late Einar and Ethel (nee: Massie) Beyer. She was a 1958 graduate of Racine Lutheran High School.

Joan worked as an L.P.N. for many years before deciding to change her career to sales. She enjoyed working at JC Penney, and Macy's department stores as she traveled and moved to Arizona, California, Missouri, Hawaii, and Louisiana. She had also spent time living in Spain and Germany. Joan liked adding to her collection of dolls, bells, jewelry and Lladró porcelain figurines. She loved living in warm climates, and was affectionately known as "Sunshine Granny" by her family.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Dustin Gauthreaux) Dobson of Thibodaux, and her son Kirk (Connie) Schend of Appleton; grandchildren Jonathon Schend, Trey Dobson, Jade Dobson, and Kerk Schend; sisters Norma Julian and LaVerne (Sam) Doherty; as well as her former husband Edward Fain; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Lowery Beyer; and her first husband Robert Schend.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 12 noon on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. All are invited to visit with Joan's family in the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m.