Joan L. Titus

Joan L. Titus, 94, a longtime resident of Stewartville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, of natural causes, surrounded by her loving family at the Stewartville Care Center, where she had resided since 2025.

Joan Lavergne was born on January 2, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Wilfred and Novia (Levesque) Lavergne. She was raised in East Providence, where her family made their home on James Street. Joan loved the ocean and one of her earliest memories was experiencing the devastating “Long Island Express” hurricane of 1938. Joan attended parochial school in East Providence and graduated from St. Mary Academy–Bay View in 1950. She began her career working on the production line at Trifari Jewelry and later commuted by train to Boston, where she served as a civilian secretary for the U.S. Department of War, reporting to an Army general.

While attending a USO dance in Providence, Joan met Ralph L. Titus Sr., a Navy Seabee (construction battalion), a sailor from Enderlin, North Dakota. He had purchased a car to travel from a nearby base to visit the big city, and it was there that their story began. They were married on July 7, 1956, in East Providence. The couple lived in Enderlin and Grand Forks, North Dakota, before settling in Crookston, Minnesota, where they raised their family while Ralph taught high school mathematics and chemistry. In 1966, they moved to Stewartville, where Ralph began a career with IBM. There, they purchased their first home, and Joan proudly held on to her beloved Providence accent for the rest of her life. Ralph Sr. passed away on November 3, 1999.

Joan devoted herself to her family as a homemaker, and her greatest joy was caring for others through her cooking. A gifted and generous cook, she kept multiple refrigerators and freezers stocked in anticipation of visits from her many grandchildren, who were always encouraged to “take a little home with you.” Joan lived life at full speed and often said, “If you’re waiting on me, you’re backing up.” She raised five children while keeping a warm, lively home filled with music, often singing along to show tunes from her cherished record console. After her children were grown, she became a much-loved receptionist at Trulson Dental Clinic for several years. And if you voted in Stewartville, you would find Joan working as a dedicated election clerk.
A devoted member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Joan was actively involved in parish life. She belonged to the Council of Catholic Women, taught Sunday school, helped with the church’s Ladies Activities group and participated in numerous church activities and events. If Joan wasn’t cooking or cleaning, she was reading. As such, it was natural that she was also a longtime member of the Stewartville Friends of the Library.

Joan enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the family cabin “Up North” in Wisconsin and her annual visits to her timeshare in Virginia Beach—trips her children and grandchildren made sure she continued to enjoy in her later years. She was a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, known for her spirited reactions during games. Joan cherished time with friends and neighbors and was the last surviving member of the 4th Avenue coffee club. She also maintained close friendships with members of the priesthood, always ensuring there was a place for them at her table.
Above all, Joan loved her large family, including fur babies. She took great pride in attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events, celebrating each of their lives with enthusiasm and devotion.

Joan is survived by her 5 children: Linda (David) Stevens of Racine, Minnesota; Ralph (Beth) Titus of Loudon, Tennessee; Daniel Titus (Jacqueline Kirckof) of Cameron, Wisconsin; Ronald (Janet) Titus of Oronoco, Minnesota; and David (Steffany) Titus of Hudson, Wisconsin; 16 grandchildren; Kyle (Elizabeth) Stevens, Katie (Ryan) Shanks, Charlie (Brittany) Stevens, Trevor (Jamie) Titus, Tyler Titus, Carly Titus, Morgan Titus, Chelsea (Tim) Dropps, Mackenzie (David) Schutter, Lydena Oddo, Marshall Titus, Vincent Titus, Riley Titus, Megan Titus and Harrison Titus and 21 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. For those who may not know the Titus family, she is also survived by her sister-in-law, Karel Titus of Zumbrota, Minnesota. Over the decades, Karel became not only family but a dear friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. She now carries on as the matriarch of the Titus family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; granddaughter, Kali Jo Titus; great-grandson, Jonathan Stevens; her parents; and her brothers, Wilfred and Charles Lavergne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Stewartville, with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. before the service. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Joan may be shared at www.griffin-gray.com Anyone interested in supporting Joan’s legacy, please consider donating to the Stewartville Public Library and Saint Bernards Catholic Church.

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