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Joanne Newhard Boyer Christman
Joanne Christman Obituary
Joanne Newhard Boyer Christman, of Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Williamsburg, VA. She was born on December 8, 1936, in Northampton, PA.
Joanne graduated from Northampton High School in 1954 and, after that, Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, in 1958. Joanne dedicated her life to nurturing young minds. She enjoyed a 34-year career as a kindergarten teacher, with the majority of her educational years at The Collegiate Schools (Richmond, VA), where her gentle guidance and unwavering patience left a lasting impression on generations of students.
Joanne's love for children extended beyond the classroom. She volunteered in the nursery at Trinity United Methodist Church, offering care and comfort to the youngest members of her faith community.
Joanne is survived by her beloved husband, of 66 years, Don "Reds" Christman; her children, Rick Christman, Jan Fitzpatrick (Michael), and Tom Christman (Cheryl); and her brother, John Thomas Boyer (Diane). She was a cherished grandmother, known as "Grams," and loved to spoil her five grandsons: Wil Christman, Jake Christman, Alex Fitzpatrick, Clay Christman, and Caston Christman; and was very excited to meet her great-granddaughter, Mabel Christman. Her love of family also extended to her nieces and nephews.
Joanne made lifelong friends through the many clubs and organizations that she participated in: Westham Garden Club, Tuckahoe Women's Club, Bridge and walking group, a lifetime member of Kanawha Recreation Club, and University of Richmond Football games.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest A. Boyer and Dora N. Boyer; and her brother, E. Albert Boyer (Carol).
Joanne's legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with kindness in the classroom, warmth in the church nursery, and love in her family garden. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
A memorial service for Joanne will be held on Friday, November 7th, at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist, 903 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA. Joanne was a member of Trinity for 61 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in memory of Joanne.
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Gail Merrick Ebersole
November 2, 2025
Loved Joanne for many years! She was such a good sport to go to UR sports with Reds. They were an amazing couple! Love to the family!!!
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