Joan Turner Stingley

Joan Foster Turner Stingley was born September 2nd, 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Edna Keeney and George Samuel Turner, along with her twin brother, Joseph Noyes Turner, whom she called her "womb-mate". She passed peacefully at home surrounded by loving family in Oakmont on January 6th, following a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles Ronald "Ron" Stingley, her younger brother, Martin Turner (Elizabeth), her son, Shawn, and daughter, Shannon (Kevin), her grandsons, Jack and Nolan Fowle, niece Jananne Turner-Brown (David) and nephews George Turner (Anne), Matt Graham (Erin), and Stuart Graham. She will also be greatly missed by so many wonderful friends and neighbors that she has met along the way.

Joan and family left Tulsa for Midland, TX while the twins were young. Joan grew up dancing and singing, and performed in the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and the musical Oklahoma. After high school, Joan and Joe both headed for California, Joan to Scripps College, and Joe to Stanford. After two years at Scripps, she transferred and graduated in 1956 from University of Texas, Austin with her Art History degree. Joan was given the choice of either having a debutante ball or a trip after college; she made the bold choice to travel by ship to Europe, where she spent a few months exploring before settling into a career working as a legal secretary back in Midland.

Joan missed California, so she took the train to San Francisco, where she spent several happy years working in a law office, living with roommates, dancing with friends at the Tonga Room, and then finally meeting Ron, the love of her life. Joan eventually moved to Sausalito, and they married in Joan's church, Christ Episcopal Church on August 18th, 1962. They rented a little house in San Mateo to be closer to Ron's work teaching at Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough. Joan took time from working to have their children, first Shawn, then Shannon. She loved being a mother, and raised their kids to be kind, compassionate, and adventurous souls like she was.

The family moved to San Carlos, where Joan and Ron remained for over 50 years, minus the years when they lived in South Lake Tahoe. During the summers of the early 70s the family became self-taught carpenters and built a cabin on the Upper Truckee River, and in 1979 moved to Tahoe full-time until the kids went to college. Joan and Ron cherished those years as they met wonderful friends and fell in love with sailing on their first boat, a Venture 25. When Joan and Ron returned to San Carlos, they quickly realized that the Bay required a much bigger boat, so they upgraded to a Catalina 36 they named "StingFever". They joined Sequoia Yacht Club, where they met many more lifelong friends. They cruised all over the Bay Area, and up the Delta for a week every summer. Joan loved her time on the boat, and became a skilled First Mate to Ron's Captain.

After retirement, the Stingleys traveled all over the world, and enjoyed staying in their condo in Palm Desert, where they hosted family and many friends. When not traveling, Joan kept busy volunteering at Stanford auxiliaries supporting Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, and Filoli Gardens. She was active in local chapters of AAUW and Tri-Delta sorority, sang in choirs, and danced whenever possible. When they moved to Oakmont to be closer to family, they enjoyed Shaboom dances, joined SIRs, and taught their favorite card game, Hand & Foot to others to enjoy.

Joan lived an astounding 91 years, and will be dearly missed by all who grew up with her, traveled with her, sailed with her, danced with her, and loved her. She lived a full, happy life spreading kindness, love, and laughter in her wake.

Joan's life with be celebrated on March 22nd in Oakmont; please contact Shannon for details at stingfowls@mac.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.