Joan Silver Ewing

Joan Silver Ewing, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at the age of 87, following complications from a stroke. She was born on April 30, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, and spent nearly her entire life in the city she loved. In her final year, she lived in Fairfax, Virginia, close to her family.

Joan grew up in Harford County and attended Westtown School and Washington College. A lifelong learner, she had a deep appreciation for interior decorating, antiques, and the arts. Her love of beautiful and interesting things was reflected in her professional life, where she worked with Christie’s Auction House and The London Shop Antiques.

Joan was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of Church of the Redeemer and the Guilford Garden Club, and she volunteered with many organizations throughout her life. Among her favorites was Maryland Therapeutic Riding, where she was able to share her lifelong love of horses with children and adults with special needs. She also supported numerous charitable causes, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Heifer International, Save the Children, and local museums.

Animals were woven into the fabric of Joan’s entire life. Having grown up on a farm, she never knew life without them. There was always a beloved pet by her side, and all of her dogs were rescues or adopted from the dog pound. Her love of animals was instinctive and enduring, and she had a special gift for making them feel at home.

Joan found joy everywhere—in gardening, decorating, horses, travel, the outdoors, Meadow Farm, and, most of all, her family. She especially cherished watching her grandchildren grow and taking an active part in the things they loved. Allee shared her love of riding, and there wasn’t a horse show she missed. She loved being at the barn and even took her last ride at the age of 80.

Joan was an avid Orioles fan, always tuned in to a game, but she especially loved watching Thomas pitch throughout high school. When he switched to volleyball in college, she happily traveled to see him play. Anna was her connection to the arts and theater, and Joan never missed an opportunity to see her perform. Many times, she attended every night of a show in which Anna appeared. These were the moments that brought Joan some of her greatest happiness—being there, cheering them on, and sharing in the things they loved.

Joan had a hearty, infectious laugh and an ability to find humor in almost everything. She was a genuine listener and a soft place to land. She made people feel welcome and cared for, was always interested in hearing a great story, and was just as happy to share one of her own. Her warmth, curiosity, humor, and genuine interest in others left an impression on everyone who knew her.

Joan was preceded in death by the love of her life, Gordon Robinson Ewing, and her parents, William Easter Silver and Ruth Battey Silver. She is survived by her son, William Sanford Ewing; her daughter, Carolyn Ewing Woods (Michael); her grandchildren, Thomas Gordon Woods, Anna Ewing Woods, and Allison Strachan Ewing (Wyatt); her great-granddaughter, Elsea Clare Brady; her sister, Janet Crocker of Charlottesville, Virginia; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her beloved dog, Jack.

Memorial Service: Family requests guest wear bright colors for Celebration of Life

Friday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21210.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• • • Maryland Therapeutic Riding - https://horsesthatheal.org/
    • The Chesapeake Bay Foundation - https://www.cbf.org/
    • Meadow Farm — Silver Family Homestead. 
  • Make Checks Payable To: Meadow Farm Inc. Send to: Sara Wollaston-Hayden-  134 Stoney Springs Rd., Greensburg, PA., 15601 OR Zelle: philipdcrocker@gmail.com