Joan Anderson Montor Weingartner, 97, of Arnold, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She cherished each day of her life, and of all the things she enjoyed, family was the most important. She was actively involved with the Anne Arundel Community College and the Arnold Senior Center. For many years, she took classes in Classical Music, Tai Chi, Sign Language, German, Painting, Dance, and Peer to Peer Learning, studying with great enthusiasm and eagerly sharing with family and friends. These activities kept her young at heart, generous of spirit, and always seeking kindness and sunshine. Even toward the end of her life, the music of her favorite composers brought her comfort.

Joan was born in December 1927, in Stamford, Connecticut, to John and Belle Anderson. She grew up on Long Island, New York, and attended Southampton and Bayside High Schools in New York; Maryville College in Tennessee; and the University of Illinois, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Joan started teaching in Illinois, then raised her family in Illinois, California, New York, and New Jersey.

She moved to Maryland in 1966 with her husband of 32 years, USNA Professor Karel Montor, and taught kindergarten at Arnold Elementary from 1966 until her retirement in 1988.  She pioneered the first PTA sponsored preschool program in Anne Arundel County, which later became the first kindergarten. She hosted midshipmen in her home and attended activities at the Naval Academy over the years. She continued to see her students and their families in the community until her death. She taught adult education to new teachers to share her child-oriented philosophy of teaching young children.

Joan married William Weingartner in August 1983, and they shared a love of learning during their 30 years of marriage. Their desire to learn brought new opportunities and experiences.  Hikes became explorations of the national parks; watching educational videos and taking classes kept their minds active; concerts and theater entertained them. They enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling the world, and spending time at her childhood cottage in North Sea, on Long Island. The wonderful memories sustained her after William passed away in 2014.

Joan lectured and collaborated on Affectionally Yours – Grace Storey Putnam: Letters from the designer of the Bye-Lo Baby. She was known for her handwritten notes, often on cards she hand-painted; her Christmas letters covered decades. As a widow, she enjoyed adventures with family in Thailand, Cambodia, Oregon, Florida, California, Texas and an Austrian river cruise. She had dinner on Friday evening with friends, movie and popcorn nights on Saturday with a neighbor, and Wisdom Group meetings on Sunday to discuss diverse topics with friends. She enjoyed dinner weeknights with her daughter's family and spending time with the newest great-grandson. She loved thrift shopping and reading, always carrying a book. Her strength and positive outlook encouraged everyone. As a member of the Bahá'í Faith of Anne Arundel County, her compassion reflected her deep faith and love of God. She believed actions over words and practiced silent service to demonstrate love and unity to all mankind.

Joan was dearly loved by all that met her. She is profoundly missed and will be forever remembered by her children and their spouses: Jodi and John Altendorf (Corvallis, OR); Stephanie Montor, wife to Keith who passed in 2018 (St. Petersburg, FL); Lee and Lee Derr (San Antonio, TX); Tammy and Gary Ramos (Arnold, MD); and Michael and Jenny Weingartner (Lakewood, CA). She was the adored Grandma, Grammie, Gramgram to her 11 grandchildren: Eric, Kyle, Kira, David, Ryan, Ian, Victor, Elise, Jack, Kali, and Xander. She was Gigi to her six great-grandchildren: Khanner, Henry, Grayson, Oliver, Michaela, and Jacob. She was predeceased by her husband William Weingartner, son Keith Montor, brother John Anderson, and sister-in-law Elsie Anderson.

Joan always said, "Be Happy. Be Kind. Be Thankful." She brought smiles to thousands and will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the Asbury United Methodist Church Family Life Center Fellowship Hall, 78 Church Road, Arnold, MD 21012.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Joan by giving to Partners in Care Maryland, Inc., 8151 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122.