Joan Rita Short

Joan Rita Short (nee Carey), age 91, peacefully departed this life in the presence of her family on Sunday, February 15, 2026, having received the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, including Last Rites and the Apostolic Blessing. She was born on May 24, 1934.

Devoted and loving wife of the late Robert L. Short. Devoted and adored mom of Tim Short, Susan Cooke, and Janet Joeckel (Randy). Cherished grandma of Jill Joeckel, Kelly Joeckel, Matthew Cooke (Shanley Kirk), Jon Cooke, Madeleine Cooke Bright (Jacob), Justin Cooke, Carey Short Prevo (Dane), Conor Short, and Elisabeth Short, and proud great-grandmother of seven. Dear mother-in law, aunt, great aunt and faithful friend to many. Preceded in death by her mother, Eva Marie Brod Carey and father, Peter Charles Carey; sisters Jean Rentze (Lou), Janet Latham (Gene), Mary Maher (Harry); and brothers James and Robert Carey.

Joan was the youngest of six children and the beloved twin sister of Janet. She adored her mother and remained especially close with her siblings throughout her life. She attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School and Beaumont High School before entering the workforce as a well-trained and capable secretary where she especially excelled at and loved the art of shorthand. She worked at American Express and Brown Shoe Company, to name a few, and eventually at Rosary High School once her children were grown, always carrying out her duties with diligence and grace.

Joan was a longtime member of St. Aloysius in Spanish Lake and later a devoted member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church in O’Fallon. She was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed crossword puzzles and genealogy, carefully preserving her family’s history. She also delighted in writing songs and stories for each of her children and grandchildren — treasured gifts that will remain part of her legacy.

Above all, Joan wholeheartedly embraced her sacred vocation as wife, mother, and grandmother, giving her entire being in loving service to her family. She was a loyal and treasured friend, known for her gentle spirit and deep faith. She had a playful, silly sense of humor, was exceptionally bright, and cherished her Irish, German, and French roots. Her abiding love for the Blessed Mother and devotion to the Holy Mass and the Holy Rosary shaped her daily life.

Memorials may be made by the offering of Holy Masses and to Covenant Network Catholic Radio. In Joan’s memory, please pray the Holy Rosary daily.

Funeral Services: Funeral services will be held at St. Juan Diego Parish (St. Barnabas Church), 1400 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. Visitation from 10:00–10:30 a.m., Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., with luncheon to follow in the parish hall. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Burial will be private at a later date.