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BORN
1954
DIED
2020
Joan O'Bryan Obituary
Phoenix, Arizona - Joan Elizabeth O'Bryan, age 66, of Phoenix, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020 in Phoenix, AZ after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. She was born on March 9, 1954 to the late David Elmer and Charlotte Mary (Brace) Hastings in Washington, IN. She graduated from Washington High School in 1972 where she was Valedictorian of her class, and she graduated with Distinction from Purdue University in 1974 with an AAS in Nursing. On June 30, 1973 she married William Eugene O'Bryan in Washington, IN. They had a marriage full of love, laughter, and joy.
Joan worked as an RN in multiple capacities, as a Church Secretary, and as a Preschool Office Manager in addition to spending many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother. Joan was active in church all her life, most recently at Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church where she volunteered in numerous capacities. Many of her activities involved children and crafts. Joan's creative nature shined while sewing, knitting, and making a wide variety of crafts. She found a passion for ballroom dancing and beamed with joy as she danced and performed with her husband.
She is survived by her three loving children and their spouses, Amy (Todd) Bender, Alan (Alissa) O'Bryan, and John (Kaitlyn) O'Bryan and one devoted grandchild, Ethan Bender. She is survived by siblings Jim Hastings and Laura Gault.
Private services with the family and interment will be at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary. Details on streaming or recording of the services are still being worked out.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church, to a charity of your choice, or to the family's charitable account which will totally be used in Joan's memory. Contact a member of the family for more details on that account.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan O'Bryan
5 Entries
Alan Newton
November 14, 2025
It´s hard to believe that she has been gone five years, now. I just wish that I could have been able to see her during those years since graduating from high school. I was not surprised that she was our class valedictorian. I still remember her giving the valedictorian speech during our graduation. I know that Joan and Eugene were a perfect match and spent many happy years together and raising a family. I wish Eugene and his family health and happiness now. Joan, I think of you often and you are dearly missed.
Alan Newton
November 10, 2024
Joan, it is hard to believe that you departed us four years ago. I can´t believe that I haven´t seen or talked to you in approximately fifty years, but you frequently come to my mind. I think of our years of youth and our friendship, as well as you and Eugene´s life and love, together. You are missed, greatly. RIP my dear friend.
Alan Newton
November 13, 2023
Joan, I still think of you quite often, as well as, Eugene. What else can I say. You are truly missed even though we haven´t seen each other or talked in many many years. I just keep remembering our friendship while growing up. Rest in peace dear friend. I continue to wish Eugene and family the very best.
Alan Newton
November 13, 2022
I still think of Joan occasionally, which reminds me of our friendship while growing up. I recently attended our 50th high school class reunion and truly wished that she could have been there to reminisce with old friends. However, while sitting there at the bowling alley, Eugene walked up to me. I truly enjoyed seeing and talking to him. Of course, our main topic of discussion was Joan. I am truly thankful that they had a wonderful life together. I know that Joan is and will be truly missed. Rest In Peace Joan, you were a great friend.
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Alan Newton
November 28, 2020
I will always remember Joan for the kind and friendly person that she was. She and I were classmates from Kindergarten through graduating high school. I wish the best for her family during this time of grief and sorrow.
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