Joan Grant

Joan Ruth Geddes Grant, 78, of San Jose, California, peacefully passed away on November 30th 2013 at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nevada, surrounded by her family. Joan was born on February 27th, 1935, to Harold Geddes and Ruth (Chapin) Geddes in Somerville, Massachusetts. An only child, Joan grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, attended its local public schools, and graduated from Lexington High School in 1953. She subsequently obtained an associate degree from Lasell College in nearby Newton township. Following Lasell, Joan was employed in 1956 by IBM as a departmental librarian within Project SAGE then underway at Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington. It was here she met fellow IBM employee Paul Michael Grant of Poughkeepsie, New York. In 1958, Joan and Paul were married, and in 1965, they relocated to San Jose where she henceforth remained to raise their family. Joan is survived by her son Geoffrey Paul Grant of Soquel, California, daughter-in-law Amanda Grant, and her grandchildren Devin and Carter; daughter Sandra Joan Grant-Holbrook of Tahoe City, California, and son-in-law Dean Holbrook; daughter Deborah Jean Grant, San Francisco, California, and son-in-law Sofien Barkouki; daughter Heidi Marie Grant, also of San Jose; and former spouse Paul Michael Grant.. Joan was instrumental in developing and organizing the Guadalupe Elementary School library in San Joses Union School District which was later named in her honor. Before Joan became incapacitated in October, 2008, for 25 years she also served as a teachers aide within the Union School District assisting and mentoring one-on-one children with learning disabilities. Joans greatest joy was spending time with her family, friends, and her many pets. Joan was an outstanding giving, caring and involved woman. Within her immediate circle of family and friends, she was the most devoted soccer Mom, swimmers Mom, and skiers Mom A veritable neighborhood SuperMom indeed. She also took pleasure participating in the San Jose Fuchsia Society, reading Janet Evanovich novels, and rooting for her team, the San Francisco 49ers! Following Joans wishes, her remains will be interred with her parents in Mount Hope Cemetery, 355 Walk Hill St., in the Tennyson Walk area, Lot 1205, Grave 13. Mattapan Massachusetts on March 22nd at 10am. A celebration of her life will take place at the Rose Garden on Naglee in Willow Glen on May 3rd from 10am to 12pm. For more details please visit Heidi Grants Facebook page. In the meantime, those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to donate in her name to the Aphasia Center of California at www.aphasiacenter.net.