Joan Theresa Villella, age 85, went home to be with our Lord on June 1st, 2024. After gracefully living with Parkinson's disease for 25 years, she passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from St. Margaret's Academy, now Benilde-St. Margaret's. She went on to St. Catherine University where she graduated with her RN and enjoyed working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse for many years. Growing up with two older brothers, Joan was a natural athlete. She excelled in swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, skating and skiing. Joan continued her love of athletics by coaching and playing sports with her eight children. She even led a women's hockey league for moms after being inspired by her sons' love of the sport. Joan was known for her devotion to her faith and her family. She opened her home to countless individuals, from foreign exchange students to elderly family members to young grandkids eager for sleepovers at Grandma's house. She was a fabulous hostess, always at the center of joyful gatherings of friends and family eating, laughing, and playing games. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Gladys Burns, brothers, Richard and Raymond Burns, and daughter, Anne Indrelie. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Ronald (Ron) Villella, seven children, Paul Villella, Lori (Phil) Martin, Luis (Linh) DeJesus, Jon (Mollie) Villella, Marc (Julie) Villella, Michael (Melissa) Villella, Linh (Jeremy) Stanaway, and 19 grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial 10am Tuesday, July 2nd with visitation beginning at 9am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, MN 55122. Luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Avenue NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 or Sharing and Caring Hands, 525 N. 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405. klecatskys.com - 651-454-9488

Published on June 23, 2024