Joan passed away on Thursday evening, May 7, 2009 in Gilroy, CA. Joan was born in Glen Ellyn, IL on June 18, 1928. Joan leaves behind her beloved husband, Jack Thurman. Jack & Joan where married for 50 years. Joan was the type of woman who shared her knowledge, her love for life, her infinite love for her family, friends, and animals, her memorable experiences that gave life, joy, perspective, & happiness to everyone that knew her. Joan had one of the biggest hearts one could ever desire and was proud to be called “friend, mentor, mom, & sister” by many people. She was kind hearted, strong spirited, had a one of a kind, wonderful sense of humor and a delightful, unforgettable, laugh that she shared often.
Joan was very proud of her Swedish heritage and a proud member of Svea Lodge #348 of San Jose. She served in several offices including Chairman. She was also active in Golden Gate District 12, VOA where she has served as Cultural Leader and a delegate.
For many years, Joan served as a member of the Community Advisory Board for Rebekah Children’s Services in Gilroy, CA. She was very proud of the charitable work RCS has done for over 100 years.
Joan was a proud member of PEO Chapter CG of Gilroy, CA
Joan loved her country. She felt it was an honor to serve her country in whatever way she could. To that end, she happily served on Election Boards for the County Registrar of Voters for over 30 years.
Joan dearly loved her children, family, & friends. Joan leaves behind her loving children; daughter, Vonne Thurman from Spokane, WA; son Bill Fedor-Thurman, daughter-in-law Carolyn, and beloved grandsons Daniel and Jason from Gilroy, CA; daughter Victoria Fedor-Thurman from Gilroy, CA; and daughter Kelley Thurman Montoya, son in-law Richard and beloved grandchildren Katherine Christine and Ean from Santa Clara, CA. Joan also leaves behind her brother, William C. Napier of Carmel Valley, CA as well as her dear nephew and niece Colin Napier of Monterey, CA MaryEllen Schlarmann, her husband Martin, and their children Elizabeth, Katherine and Kerry of Carmel Valley, CA. Through the close bonds of friendship, several people became part of her family circle including, Agneta Ahlberg of Sweden, Jan. Humphreys of Spokane, WA, Yury Rahubin of Kyrgyzstan and Naomi Lohmann of Knoxville, TN. Joan leaves behind many dear friends who made her life a pleasure.
The family invites friends to attend the Memorial Service, which will be held on Saturday, May 16th, beginning at 1:00 P.M. at her beloved Sveadal, located 8220 Croy, Road, Morgan Hill, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Rebekah Children’s Services, 290 IOOF Avenue, Gilroy, CA 95020, or the VASA Order America Archives, 109 South Bishop Hills Street, Bishop Hill, IL. 61419 or the American Cancer Society, 945 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Salinas, CA 93901
