I think covering for JW's and what they believe is dysfunctional. Would hiding it be like a family of an alchoholic "covering" for their indescretions? I was very open with my non-JW family about the whole "shunning" thing and "abstaining" from holidays, funerals, weddings, et al. I just stated the JW beliefs baldly, no sugar-coating. And, well, maybe a bit of rolled eyes. My stepmom, always the gatherer for family events, was horrified.
Later, when the JW's came to the door, my stepmom replied, "Oh yes, I know all about the Jehovah's Witnesses. My daughter married one. And I am not interested. Goodbye!"