JOAN ANN FANSLER

By Diana (Missy) Holman

January 29, 2021

After a life of serving others, on January 23, 2021, my beautiful mother, Joan Ann Fansler was called home, where she now is at peace with loved ones who went before her.

Known as Joanie, she grew up on a farm in Maryland with her parents, brothers and sister. In 1965, the family moved to Cedar Key when Joanie was a senior in high school, and she graduated from Cedar Key School.

In 1981, Joanie married local businessman Don Fansler. Don and his friend, Neil Boyer decided that Don and Joanie would get married on their houseboat on the river. When Don walked in to the restaurant, he told Joanie, “Come on, let’s get married.” She told him, “I can’t, I have to make sauces.” I knew she wanted to get married so I pulled her away to get her ready.

For decades, Joanie was a successful restaurateur, operating the Seabreeze Restaurant on the Dock in Cedar Key, which was more than a business to her; it was a way to serve others. Through all the years she had the restaurant, she always strived to make every event special. Instead of closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas, she kept the restaurant open and made sure meals were available for those who may not have had family to join for the holidays. Under the restaurant’s Christmas tree, wrapped gifts were there for all the children she knew or who might come into the restaurant with their families. Locals will remember all the fun they had at the weekly “Hot Dog Nights” and special events, like St. Patrick’s Day, when Joanie would put out a spread to feed the town.

After Joanie retired, she dedicated her life to the one thing that made her happiest: helping others. The purse she carried on her arm always had toys in it, which she readily gave to children she saw, especially those whom she knew had struggling parents. She donated to the local Food Pantry and churches that distributed food to families in need. If Joanie knew that someone liked a particular item, or if that person mentioned they needed something, it was never a surprise when Joanie showed up at their door with exactly the item they wanted or needed.

On several occasions, she asked me to pick up a particular pancake mix for her and for Ms. Fuji, who worked for her for many years and who was a close friend. When Ms. Anne had water issues, she would show up with bottled water. Anne said she did this for a year. Almost everyone who ever knew Joanie or worked with her has a favorite story of something she did for them.

Helping others was her main hobby. She also enjoyed reading, music trivia, shopping and feeding stray cats. Joanie was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Joanie was preceded in death by her husband, Don Fansler; her parents, Josephine and Guy Harrington; and her brother, Marvin Harrington.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Holman; her granddaughter, Heather Zebley; sister, Chrissie Williams; brother, Ray Harrington; sister-in-law, Alexis Harrington; nephews, niece, cousins and other extended family members.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced at a later date. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Joanie, the local Food Pantry or a food program of your choice would be appropriate recipients.