Joan B. Wright

1934 - 2017

Joan B. Wright

Virginia Beach - Joan Byrnes Wright, 83, passed into eternal life on October 28, 2017. She was born on March 4, 1934 in Norfolk Protestant Hospital, the only child of the late John E. Byrnes and Madeline Reitelbach Byrnes. She was married to Frederick R. Wright. Her children include John Frederick (Karen) of Tampa, FL, Edward (predeceased), David of Fredericksburg, VA, Steven (predeceased), and Catherine (Cynthia Piccirilli) of Chesapeake, VA. Grandchildren include David Kristian Wright of Washington, D.C. and Brandon Wright of Virginia Beach, VA. She is also survived by her cousin John Murray and wife Barbara. She attended boarding school for part of her primary education, at Holy Cross Academy in Washington, D.C., and St. Angela's Hall in Rockville, MD. She also attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Norfolk, and graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1952. Joan was a competitive figure skater, and at age 16 was judging at the national level. She was also a competitive equestrian. She enjoyed classical music, ballet, musical theatre, world and natural history. She graduated with an associate degree from the Norfolk Division of William and Mary/Virginia Polytechnical Institute in 1954 and received her B.S. in Secondary Science-Earth Science in 1971. She obtained a Masters Degree in Science Education from Old Dominion University, with a concentration in Secondary Science Education in 1981. Mrs. Wright taught in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 20 years, at Brandon Jr. High for 13 years, and then at Tallwood High for seven years. She held memberships in multiple educational associations. She was an interpreter and naturalist at Seashore State Park for 20 years, and served as a botanical researcher and volunteer interpreter for Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Mrs. Wright was a field investigator for the VA Natural Heritage Program and co-authored several professional articles published in botanical journals. In retirement, Joan continued teaching, presenting genealogical methodology. She served in a variety of positions including president of the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society, and held membership in numerous genealogical societies. She was an often requested speaker at genealogical workshops throughout the Hampton Roads area. A consummate student and teacher, she was passionate in her interests. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be remembered and greatly missed.

Visitation and viewing will be held from 9-11:00 AM on Tuesday October 31, 2017, at the Catholic Church of St. Stephen, Martyr, 1544 S. Battlefield Blvd, in Chesapeake, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Kempsville Volunteer Fire Department, or any charity of your choice. A special thanks to the staff of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Assisted Living, where Joan resided.