AUBURN — Joan S. McEwen, 81, of New Gloucester, died after a two-year battle with cancer, on Aug. 22, at Auburn Residential Care Center.

She was born Feb. 14, 1931, in Waltham, Mass., the only child of the late Howard P. and Marion Sweetser of Falmouth. She was a graduate of Falmouth High School and Westbrook Junior College.

Prior to having children, she worked in the insurance industry. After her children were born, she worked in various jobs around her children’s school schedules, which included the Yarmouth High School cafeteria and as an at-home seamstress for several area sail manufacturers.

Joan spent almost 50 years as a church organist between the West Falmouth Baptist, West Cumberland Methodist and North Pownal United Congregational churches. She also spent more than 15 years knitting and crocheting articles for Mercy Hospital of Portland and the Navy and Marine Corp. Relief Society at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.

She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary and her husband, John Cavallaro; her son, Rory and his wife, Carolann; her grandchildren, Rachel and her husband, Nick Veinot, Amanda and her husband, Corey Morong and Ryan, Joseph and Kevin; and her cousin, Barbara, Mrs. Frank Fixaris.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Herschel B. McEwen, May 2011.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Mary’s Cancer Center of Lewiston, Auburn Residential Care Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, for all their care and comfort during her stay.