Joan Kupfer

JOAN MARIE (SHARR) KUPFER

Joan Marie (Sharr) Kupfer, our "precious little darlin," passed away quietly to the Lord in the loving care of Covenant Hospice on Monday afternoon, March 10th 2014 in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at Sacred Heart Hospital. Joan was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to Mae (Barret) and John Sharr. She graduated from Upper Darby High School.

She is survived by her husband, CDR Michael J. Kupfer, USN Retired, and her children: Kathy Lancashire (Andy) of Bonita Springs, FL; Ellen Rulon (Randy) and Elizabeth Ann Yoder both of West Chester, PA; Herbert "Bert" Chambers, Jr. of Glenmoor, PA, and Daniel Sokol of Goodyear, AZ. Joan has eight grandchildren: Justin Luton, Tara Rulon, Brittany Yoder, Christopher Rulon, Holly Smith (Rulon), and Stephanie, Valerie and Jack Chambers, and six great-grandchildren.

Joan was a loyal, faithful and well respected employee of the US Navy's Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; Seaside Club at Yokohama, Japan; Top o' the Mar Club at Guam; Camp Smith (CINCPACFLT) at Hawaii; and the Mustin Beach Officers' Club at NAS Pensacola. From 1986 to 1995, Joan managed and tended bar at the Round Down Lounge at NAS Pensacola. Memorabilia and signed photographs from famous Naval aviators, astronauts, and dignitaries were displayed there with pride. The Blue Angels regularly visited together with Joan at the lounge on Monday afternoons watching the big-screen television to review and critique the previous weekend's air show. Little "Joanie" was specifically requested to man the service bar and serve guests at evening functions at the National Naval Aviation Museum. She made friends easily wherever she worked or played with that infectious smile. Joan loved and adored her landscaped backyard and spending time sitting around the lovely pool entertaining with her husband and friends listening to her awesome jazz collection.

Joan's family thanks the nursing staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, especially, Christine Quinby of Covenant Hospice, for their emotional support and loving care during Joan's final week on this earth. Special thanks to Joan's home-care provider, Julie Hagan, LPN, for her help and medical care at our home and at the hospital. She was a true angel in our midst.

Joan's ashes will be interred in the Columbarium at Barrancas National Cemetery. A private memorial for family and close friends will be held at a later date. The family suggests that donations be made in Joan's honor to the NAS Pensacola Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.



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