Joan M. Chandler

1922 - 2019

CHANDLER, Joan M. Joan M. (nee, Robinson) Chandler left this world on a D-Day anniversary, 06/06/2019. She was a special lady and she will be missed by many friends and all the family. Joan was born in Putney, Essex, England on October 28, 1922. Joan, the only child of Randolph and Georgina Robinson, was educated in England and survived WWII, and the bombings that occurred often in London. She was sent to Norwich, England, as a college student, to work for the war effort. Despite being warned to stay away from the unruly Yanks, she met and fell in love with a Texan, O.C. Chandler, after he ran her down on a bicycle. After they married on Boxing Day (December 26), 1944 in England, O.C. went to N. Africa and Joan came to America, by ship. She traveled, by train, alone, to the last stop of the route, Smithville, Texas, to wait there until O.C. could return home. Texas was a challenge to her, but she soon won that battle! O.C. left the Army Air Corps and became a member of the USAF. Their travels went from Texas to Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, Sculthorpe, England, Barksdale AFB, LA, Etain AFB, France, Incirlik AFB Turkey and finally to Bergstrom AFB, TX. O.C. retired in Texas and he and Joan bought a house and settled. Joan worked for IRS, working as a trainer and educator. Joan is survived by a daughter, Marilynn (Candy) (French) Giordano (husband Robert Giodano), son, John R. Chandler, PHD (wife Cyndy). Three grandson, Ken Gunter(Gay), Robert (Brandi) Chandler, Frank (Quinn) Chandler; four great-grandchildren, Chandler Gunter, Frank and Jackie Chandler, Robert Chandler; nephew, Ken Kellar (wife Amanda); niece, Kay Kellar Ebner; daughters, Terri Carol (and son), Theresa along with many of O.C.'s cousins. Joan has few kin left in England, except for a few removed cousins. She leaves many friends, old neighbors and co-workers. Joan was active in the Girl Scouts, helped O. C. with the Boy Scouts, volunteered at St. David's Episcopal Church, usually at the bookstore, was a superior cook and French pastry chef, loved and cared for all animals, donating to all and adopting so many! She was naturalized citizen and a true "yella dawg". She had much respect and sympathy for the poor, the immigrants, the uneducated and all of God's creatures. Joan was a special lady in many respects.she inspired her children to read, be educated and continue to learn and be involved. Many will miss Joan. She had a special sense of humor and was wise in many ways! She was lucky in her last years to have really good home care after O.C. died in 2011. We wish to thank Vernece Gonzalez and her daughter, Stephanie for their excellent care of Joan, along with many others. A Memorial Service 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX 512/442-1446. You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com.