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BORN
1921
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Joan Laibly Obituary
December 9, 1921 - November 3, 2020
A great lady, wonderful mother and above all, devoted partner to husband Arthur.
Married in Jan. 1942, they moved to California in 1953 with their three girls. She created a home and family that was full of love and joy; as we always said, "Ours is a happy house!" Joan lit up the room with her smile when she entered, always had a cheerful and friendly word for friends or strangers alike. She never passed a dog on the street without stopping to pet it and strike up a conversation. Our friends all loved her; she was the mom that everyone wished they had.
Longtime member of the Hillsborough Racquet Club, avid tennis player, golfer, excellent bridge player, and lifetime member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Joan had many friends and a very active social life. Family and friends shared decades of holiday and birthday celebrations together which she orchestrated in a manner that seemed effortless.
She and Arthur enjoyed traveling; they went to China, Africa, and Europe, returning with stories and memories to share with us all. She survived him by almost 10 years and now has joined him in their final journey together. Although we will sorely miss her, we are happy to know that she has been reunited with the love of her life.
She leaves behind a close knit family who will miss her dearly: three daughters Barbara Frank (Chuck), Susan Kidd (Bill), and Janet Hagemann (Jack) and grandchildren Amanda Gregg (Anthony) Mia Isordia (Albert) Rebecca Bjorklund (Peter), Ian Kidd (Janel), Alex Kidd, Scott Kidd, and David Hagemann (Rikki), as well as eleven great grandchildren.
The family appreciates the outpouring of condolences and support. Due to current circumstances there will be no service. If you would like to make a donation in Joan's memory, her charities of choice would be Peninsula Humane Society https://phs-spca.org/ or Samaritan House https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/
Tonight, enjoy a "Happy Hour" with someone you love and have a toast to Joan. She would love that!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Laibly
Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
3 Entries
Thomas Laibly
November 20, 2020
The memories I have of Aunt Joan will always be bright ones. Their (Aunt Joan & Uncle Art) visits to see us in Chicago, and especially, when I was very young, my trip with grandpa to Hillsborough, brings happy thoughts to mind. The thing I remember most is that Aunt Joan always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. And abundant patience too, teaching me how to play 3 versions of solitaire. Times in my life that will always bring a smile. My heartfelt thoughts are with my three cousins and families during your time of sadness and remembrance. Aunt Joan is loved and will be missed by so many of us, but the memories are everlasting. And yes, a toast, to Aunt Joan & Uncle Art, together again!
Laurie Davies Adams
November 13, 2020
I only met Joan a few times, but was completely taken with her spirit and great nature - she was a real trooper and her lively engagement even at age 98 was infectious. What a loss for her dear family and to the community of people who met her at HRC and elsewhere. Rest in peace, Joan. Chick and I send our sincere condolences to Joan's wondeful family.
Richard Laibly, Jr.
November 12, 2020
Aunt Joan was such a wonderful and positive experience in my life. The phone calls were always uplifting and her sharp memory brought to life long gone family and friends, most especially Uncle Arthur, my parents and all four of my grandparents. Those of us who loved her will surely miss her in our lives but always be grateful for the memories.
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