LEWISTON — JoAnn F. (Shaw) Whitney, 83, of Lewiston passed away peacefully Saturday, May 5, at Central Maine Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 16, 1934, in South Portland, to the late Alice R. (Wendel) Shaw and Robert E. Shaw Sr. JoAnn married Alton E. Whitney on Jan. 7, 1956, the love of her life, and together they raised one son and four daughters.

She was a stay-at-home mom, then later was a loving day care provider for many of her grandchildren and the neighbor children.

During her lifetime she enjoyed spending time with all of her family, church and choir, bingo, card games, knitting, painting, camping and most of all traveling with her sister and brother-in-law to many exciting places, Hawaii being her favorite.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Alton E. Whitney, of Lewiston; and their four daughters Bonnie (Whitney) Dyro and her husband, Dennis, of Gray, Julie (Whitney) Busler and her husband, Gerald, of Nashua N.H., Jolyn Whitney and her companion, Edwin Fogg, of Lewiston, Alice (Whitney) Crawford and her husband, Daniel, of Auburn; one older sister, Catherine (Shaw) Benjamin, of Dover Foxcroft.

She also leaves a younger sister, Sandra (Shaw) Taylor, of South Portland; a younger brother, Frederick L. Shaw, of South Portland; and 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

JoAnn was predeceased by her parents; a son, Harold E. Whitney; a sister, Dorothy (Shaw) Whitney; and two brothers Robert E. Shaw Jr. and Charles Shaw.

The family would like to thank the staff of doctors, nurses and therapists at CMMC for giving her much care and compassion during her stay, and making it an easier transition for her and our family during this time.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign JoAnn’s guest book and leave memories and condolences for the family.

JoAnn F. Whitney