Joan Starr Chan

Joan Darlene Starr Chan, 70, of Staunton, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016, at her home with her loving daughter by her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband of forty-five years, John Hao-Kiang Chan. She is survived by her sons, Christopher and Matthew; her daughter and son-in-law, Danielle and Michael; her brother, Richard Starr; her dear sisters-in-law Irene, Ivy, Ivonne and Chen Family; her beloved Uncle Charles and Hamlin Family; and her precious friend Melissa. She was the proud and caring grandmother of Lydia, Hector, Mercedes, Regan, Audrina, Banksy, Tybalt, Cody, Jules, Cally, Obi, and Annie.

Born January 27, 1946, in Greenville, South Carolina, Joan was the daughter of the late Elijah Starr and Kathleen Hamlin Starr. She attended the University of South Carolina, Clemson University and University of Virginia, mastering in languages. As an expert in Spanish, English, and French, she also spoke Cantonese, German, and Russian. Joan was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Verona and taught Spanish at Ridgeview Christian School. She retired in 2008 as a Realtor with Re-Max in Waynesboro but continued to enjoy volunteering her services as a Spanish translator to the local Augusta County community.

A bold Southern Belle with many creative interests, Joan enjoyed watercolor and Chinese ink painting, sewing, interior decorating, and cooking international cuisine for her friends and family. Bringing her great joy were her adored dogs, which she shared with her husband, John: Fluffy, Leia, Captain and Soleil.  

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 3rd at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, conducted by Pastor Pete Campbell. Interment will follow at Augusta Memorial Park. Serving as Pallbearers will be Matt Chan, Chris Chan, Mike Cannon, David Cannon, Shannon Wilfong, Ken Smith and Alan Ulmer.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to any of the following organizations in honor of Joan Chan:

Friends of the Augusta County Library: www.friendsofacl.org

Cat's Cradle: www.catscradleva.org

The Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org

Joan loved to live life in color. Her family invites you to join them in celebrating her vivid spirit and joie de vivre by wearing RED, Joan’s favorite color, in her honor on December 2nd and 3rd.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

charltongroome@aol.com

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