Joan S. Shipps

Joan West Shipps (Steinsieck) passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 24, 2025, with her wife, Dian J. Pizurie, PhD, beside her and her loved ones nearby. In the month prior to her passing, she was blessed with visits from her sons and other cherished family members. Abundant love and comfort surrounded her in her final days, and despite her illness, she visibly brightened whenever family entered her room.

Joan was a beloved friend to many. We often said she could go out shopping for bread and milk and return home with a new friend’s phone number—along with many details of that person’s life story. She made a habit of checking in on friends, sending notes (and later texts or phone calls) to anyone she thought might need a bit of encouragement.

Joan’s story began in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, where she was born on May 10, 1941, the eldest child of John and Frances (Henson) Steinsieck. She was followed by her beloved sister, Betty, and her adored brother, William (Bill). Joan grew up primarily in Delanco, New Jersey, and attended Palmyra High School, where she was renowned as an award-winning trumpet player in the school band and orchestra.

After graduating from high school in 1959, Joan married Gordon Shipps. Together they welcomed three sons: Andrew Gordon Shipps, born June 10, 1965; David Hammell Shipps, born September 29, 1966; and John Howard Shipps, born October 11, 1968.

Joan and Gordon devoted themselves to raising their boys, spending time at the cabin on the lake that belonged to Joan’s parents, camping with the boys, and visiting many National Parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon. Supporting their church was always an important commitment in their lives. Their church work eventually led them to San Bernardino, California, where they were active in Churches Alive, remaining deeply engaged in both the spiritual and social life of their faith community.

In 1979 Joan and Gordon, with another Christian couple, co-founded the private, Christian high school in Redlands, California, Arrowhead Christian Academy, where their boys and many other students experienced a fulfilling academic life.

In California, Joan continued her lifelong love of people and service. She returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, in 1989. Guided by her desire to help others, she became involved in several charitable organizations and took great joy in supporting their missions.

During this period, Joan maintained close friendships from her university years. In 1987 through a mutual friend, she met a woman who would become her companion for the next 38 years. Joan and Dian discovered they shared a love of the Lord, a commitment to service, and—eventually—a love of Hawaii. Their friendship deepened over time, and they chose to build a life together in Riverside, California, where Dian taught at many educational levels. In 2013, during a vacation in Maui, Joan and Dian were married.

Joan later entered the field of real estate, joining RE/MAX Partners of Corona, California. Her natural warmth, integrity, and well-honed social skills quickly brought her success. She became widely known and respected in her profession and was frequently honored by the firm’s co-owners with awards such as “Agent of the Year,” reflecting both her professional excellence and the trust she built with clients and colleagues alike.

Joan is survived by her three sons; her sister and brother; her five cherished grandchildren—Kirane, Cassie, Nathan, Riley, and Ethan and her two great-grandchildren, Leora and Mason, of whom she was immensely proud.

Joan retired from real estate in 2019. In 2021, she and Dian moved to Idaho, where Joan spent her remaining years enjoying retirement and surrounded by love.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held sometime in late spring or early summer. It will be a time for all who loved her to share stories and memories of her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generous spirit.

Sleep peacefully, Joan. Our love is with you as you enter into your Heavenly reward. We miss you here, but we know the Lord is with you and holds you in His welcoming embrace.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.