Joan Bernadette Malec

Joan Bernadette Malec, age 80, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 10AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home with visitation to be held for an hour prior to the service. Father Kurt Farrell will be officiating.

Joan was born on July 18, 1945 in Bridgeport, CT to parents Joseph and Agnes Malec. Shortly after getting married in 1967, she moved with her husband to the Berkshires to raise their family. As they settled into their new home, Joan developed a close relationship with her new neighbors Carol and Pat. During the summer, the family would travel to Connecticut to visit extended family. There, while Debbie and Kevin played by the pool with their cousins, Joan would cook Italian dishes with her inlaws. The family would take weekend trips out to Gloucester, MA. There, Joan developed a love for sounds and smells of the ocean. While there, she would often get lost in the splendor of the ocean. Later in life, at the age of 45, Joan went on to earn her graphic design degree from the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY in 1990.

Joan was very proficient at knitting and crocheting. She also dabbled in needlepoint and quilting. She made many blankets, hats, and mittens for her family. Joan also loved being a grandmother. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren Tessa and John. Whether it was taking Tessa out for a weekend shopping trip to Michael’s for yarn and craft supplies, or rocking John to sleep when he was little, Joan cherished the time she was able to spend with them.

Joan is survived by her children Deborah (Phillip) Peeso-Demulling of Albert Lea, MN, and Kevin Peeso of Fredricksburg, VA; along with her grandchildren Tessa Demulling (fiance David Fulton) of CT and John Demulling. Sister Agnes (Bill) Feige, and her brothers Matt (Donna) Malec and Ed (Sandy) Malec, along with several nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Agnes. Brother Lawrence Malec, and her sister Cecelia Malec.

The family would like to extend a special thanks of gratitude to her care staff at the Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, and also to her caregivers from Mayo Hospice for the loving care they provided to her.

The service will be livestreamed on Youtube using the following link: https://youtube.com/live/WFaF5AtnaDM?feature=share