Joan Lucille Craig

1932 - 2021

Joan Lucille Craig
July 1, 1932 - March 19, 2021
Oakdale, California - Joan Lucille Craig passed away, at the age of 88, peacefully in her Oakdale home surrounded by family.
Born in San Jose to Joseph and Rose DiCristina, Joan graduated from San Jose State University in 1954 and the following year, while living in San Francisco, met James C. Craig on a blind date. The two were married in 1955 and in October last year celebrated 65 years together.
Soon after marriage, Jim's position as a Pan American Airlines flight engineer took them to Oahu, Hawaii for about two years. Then, with son Steve and daughter Julie, the family spent two years in Germany and returned to live in Alamo, Ca. In 1971, Jim and Joan bought a 20-acre almond ranch in Denair, where they lived for 40 years and produced many crops of almonds while Jim continued flying with Pan American Airlines.
Their years together were filled with family, many friends, and gatherings that always included Joan's fabulous cooking inspired by her Italian roots.
Always sociable and active, Joan joined many groups and causes, including California Women for Agriculture, Modesto Garden Club, Red Hat Society, and book clubs. She also was a Beauty for All Seasons consultant. With her love of style, color, and design, she assisted many clients with clothes and cosmetics to find what was just right for each.
Jim and Joan retired from ranch life and moved to Oakdale. Joan attended River Oak Grace Community Church and was part of a bible study group. She also taught hula dancing, a talent learned all those years ago in Hawaii, at the Oakdale Senior Center.
In addition to husband Jim, Joan is survived by son Steve and his wife Pamela and daughter Julie Smith and husband Barry, granddaughters Amy Craig, Emma Martynowitz (husband Daniel and great grandchildren Harper and Declan) and McCall Smith. Also surviving is brother William DiChristina and numerous nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends Joan welcomed like family.
The Craig family extends special thanks to Community Hospice, Neptune Society, and Right at Home health care service.
A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.
At the request of the family, Memorial contributions may be made to the Modesto Garden Club, 622 14th Street, Modesto CA 95354-2505, www.modestogardenclub.org.