Joan E. Deneau

Joan E. Deneau, 88, peacefully passed away just after midnight on February 11, 2025, at Cypress Cove Care Center in Crystal River, FL. She was born on April 25, 1936, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, and was raised in Gibraltar, Michigan. Joan was the youngest daughter to the late Edward W. Chastain and Janet (Wilson) Chastain. Joan married Belmont “Lefty” Deneau in July 1954. She worked in the banking industry while raising their four children in Michigan. In the mid-1980s, Joan and Lefty moved to Dunnellon after snow birding for a few years to determine where they wanted to spend their retirement playing golf and tennis. She worked for Barnett Bank (now BoA) and Wal-Mart in Dunnellon. In retirement she was a member of the Rainbow Springs Tennis Club and Dunnellon Women’s Club. She also played cards weekly at Rainbow Springs Country Club enjoying the camaraderie and friendly competition of her peers. Joan also enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers fan. She attended Dunnellon Presbyterian Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Belmont “Lefty” Deneau; her son Jeffrey Deneau; her sister, Maxine Hunter; and her grandson, Aaron Deneau.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Timothy Deneau (Mary) of Boyne City, MI; Carol Kermans (Jacques V. Asselin) and Kyle (Ann) Deneau both of Dunnellon, FL; her sister, Janet Douglas of Riverview, MI. Also her grandchildren, Ryan Deneau (Rachel), Nicholas Deneau, Andrew Deneau (Tess), Ashlee Deneau (fiancé Thomas Traverso), Cory Deneau (Ashley), Chrystal Kermans Ditzhazy, James “Chris” Kermans (Danielle), and Stefany Kermans-Boardman (Todd); and her great-grandchildren Abel Deneau, Cameran Deneau and another expected in June.

Joan's wishes were to have a private farewell with her children in lieu of a public service. In memory of Joan, memorial contributions can be made to your charity of choice.