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BORN
1936
DIED
2011
Joanne Christian Obituary
Oct 24, 1936 - Aug 10, 2011
Resident of San Jose
Passed away and is survived by her daughter Sandra Allen and son Daniel Smith. Loving Grandmother to Doreen Smith, Danielle Smith, Laura Allen, Lisa Allen, and Great Grandmother to Lorelei Copeland. Loving sister to Marylou Barney and Richard Greenwood.
Joanne is remembered as a creative visionary, and will truly be missed. Joanne's gift of inspiration formed a legendary company, Royal Coach Tours. Today, Royal Coach Tours is one of the largest and highly regarded Charter Bus Transportation companies in Northern California.
In the year 1960 founder Joanne Smith took her winnings from a lucky keno ticket and purchased her very first 37 passenger motorcoach, which operated a commuter service from Fremont to Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale. After operating a successful commuter service for two years, she decided to transition into the charter bus business with the birth of Smith Charter Service. The dramatic growth of the Bay Area supported the expansion of Smith Charter Service. In late 1970 Joanne Smith changed the company name to Royal Coach Tours, a title that conveys to clients the type of service which her company offers, the first class Royal treatment. In 1987, Joanne extended the royal touch to travel, starting Royalty Tours, which provided years of pre-planned adventures, catering primarily to the senior community. Today, Royal Coach Tours runs a fleet of 65+ vehicles. With strong integrity, Joanne built a quality company providing hundreds of jobs. She valued her employees and co-workers, and in return is looked at with pride and admiration. Her years of dedication, hard work, and passion have left a valuable imprint on anyone who has come into contact with Joanne and Royal Coach Tours. Joanne was known to many of the Royal Coach employees as "MOM". Joanne's legacy is passed down to her children, Dan Smith and Sandy Allen, who continue the tradition of perseverance and integrity, which is the foundation of Royal Coach Tours.
With her witty charm and mischievous sense of humor, Joanne Christian leaves behind an abundance of memories filled with laughter and joy. Joanne will be put to rest with a small gathering of close family and friends, followed by a life celebration in September.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Christian
4 Entries
Loretta Odell
August 22, 2011
Joanne was my sister in-law. A beautiful, fun, energenic and very loving person. I fondly remember many good times with lots of laughter.
Jim Penrod
August 19, 2011
I work for the company Joanne started back in 1960. I am a benificiary of what Joanne began 50 years ago. I did not actually work for her but work for her 2 children. I am proud of the fact I work for such an outstanding company she built and passed on to Sandy and Dan. I met her a few times and everytime she was around she lifted your spirits with humor and smile. She always made me feel special and I and countless others will miss her. I hope someday in heaven I get the honor of being her driver wherever she wants to go.
August 16, 2011
Although I did not know Joanne personally, I know her son Dan and his wonderful family. My heart goes out to them at this time of such profound loss. With deepest sympathies, Love, Vickie Arnerich
Scott Simoni
August 16, 2011
Joanne was my neighbor when I was growing up in Sacramento, & she was full of life & had many interesting stories to tell, many of which were abou Royal Coach Tours. She was a kind, generous woman with a great sense of humor.
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