Joan Anita Holzwarth

GLENBURN - Joan A. (Simpson) Holzwarth, 93, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, at a Bangor hospital. She was born August 8, 1933, in North Brewer, the daughter of Edgar and Estella (Mann) Simpson.

Joan grew up in North Brewer and attended local schools. While raising her five children, she lived in Texas, Florida, Connecticut, and ultimately returned home to Maine, in 1970. As the cherished matriarch of her family, Joan poured her heart into her children, grandchildren, and generations down to her great-great-grandchildren.

She dedicated 30 years to her career at BMHI, retiring as a dietary supervisor, and even enjoyed bowling in a league with her colleagues there. True to her tireless work ethic, Joan didn't slow down after retirement; she went on to work at Common Sense Housing as a direct support professional, caring for disabled and elderly patients until she finally retired from that role at the age of 83.

Joan loved the Maine coast, especially visiting Schoodic and Seawall. Her sense of adventure also took her traveling to Boston, New York, and Virginia, where she visited the Statue of Liberty and the White House. Closer to home, she loved camping by a lake, took great pride in her flower garden, and had a passion for photography, always snapping pictures of the things she enjoyed. Joan was an avid reader and enjoyed many different genres of books. In her later years, she especially looked forward to her Wednesdays spent with her grandson, Mark.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her sister, Dolores Grant, and her brother, Trevor Simpson and his wife, Barbara Bates.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Daniel Holzwarth; her brother, Edgar "Buddy" Simpson; and her sister, Linda Simpson. She also leaves behind her five children: Orval R. "Butch" Moor Jr., Andrea L. Moor, Estella M. "Peggy" Bush and her husband, Sam, Carole A. Moor and her partner, Frank W. Orr IV, and Michele R. Moor. Joan is additionally survived by her grandchildren, Reginald Moor, Christopher Moor, Jason Moor, Mark Bush, and Scott Bush; great-grandchild, Chantelle Rollins; great-great-grandchildren, Lillianna and Quintin Estabrook; as well as a large, extended family and many dear friends.

At Joan's request, a private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Brewer. Those who wish to remember Joan in a special way may make gift in her memory to the American Lung Association by visiting https://www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNLTWAXLLP, The Iris Network, c/o Development, 189 Park Avenue, Portland, ME 04102, or by visiting https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/the-iris-network/website-donation or, Friends of Acadia, P.O. Box 45, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, or by visiting https://friendsofacadia.org/membership-giving/donate/. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.