Joan Claire Reinig Magnuson

Joan Claire (Reinig) Magnuson
Joan was born on December 6, 1931, in Corona NY, the youngest of three daughters born to Homer & Ida Reinig - Ida, Charlotte (Helen) and Joannie. She passed away on February 27, 2026, in Athens, GA.

In June 1953, Joan married her long time sweetheart Tom Magnuson, a US Marine. Though their marriage didn’t last forever, she always loved him.

Joan had three children: Lynn (Warren) Mercer, Bonnie (David) Johnson, and Mark (Rachel) Magnuson. She had six grandchildren: Wyatt Mercer, Elizabeth, Michael, and Christopher Johnson, Nathan and Jenna Magnuson. Joan had two great-granddaughters: Ivy and Celia Johnson.

She had one niece Cheryl Cook-Guzzaldo in Chicago and a cousin Harriet Li in NY, both of whom she thoroughly enjoyed chatting with. All of the older generation have already passed on so she relished the ties to those who knew her when she was young and vibrant and knew her sisters and parents and the many wild cousins. She loved to reminisce about the early years.

Joan was a Christian and was a Sunday School teacher and girls group leader. She treasured her times at church and was a life-long supporter of Rev. Billy Graham, whom she admired for his commitment to the Gospel.

Joan was a fiercely independent lady. She made her own way as long as she was able. She loved to read and sew and crochet until her vision no longer allowed her these pleasures. Joan loved Andy Williams and John Gary records, and old movies made about the Bronte books she loved – but the movies were “never quite as good as the book.”

She loved to walk – in the woods, on the beach, or down a road she had never been down before. She was incredibly curious and always willing to venture into the unknown. She would be heard saying, “I wonder where that road goes?” and off we would go.

Joan loved to spend time with her family, though it was never enough. If you stayed all day she would say, “are you leaving already?”

She loved all her pets throughout her life, and hopefully she is playing with them in Heaven. Joan loved her wild animal “pets” too, especially Buddy the squirrel who would come to her and take peanuts out of her hand – giving a little nip once or twice but it was always forgiven. She took great pleasure in watching the many deer in her back yard that would come to eat corn in the winter months.

Joan was very fond of her neighbors Peter and Else and Michael and Cecelia. She loved her helper Kathy. They were all very kind and sweet to her throughout the years. Her last residence was The Oaks of Athens and she really enjoyed all the folks that cared for her there. We are so grateful that her final days were spent with people that cared about her and took good care of her.

No public services are planned at this time. The family will celebrate Joan’s life privately.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is assisting the family.