Obituary of Joan Drury Carpenter

Joan stepped peacefully away from this dimension into the next early on Thursday morning. On Wednesday she had a full day of activities and within a short twelve hours she was gone from us - a lady always knows when it is time to go. Joan was born in October of 1923 in Jacksonville, Illinois to Helen and Charles Drury. Her parents, older sister, Jean and younger sister, Helen have proceeded her in death. Joan graduated from MacMurray College, in Jacksonville, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business in 1947. Eleanor Roosevelt gave a fitting commencement address to the class that year. That same year Joan married Winecke F. Carpenter and they spent the next fifty-five happy years experiencing life's adventures. Many of their adventures included traveling to various points of the globe, New Zealand being their very favorite place. Joan's passion was her family, being a wife and mother to their only son, Marshall. Being raised in the Midwest provided her a sense of respect for society, courtesy, and kindness - traits that have become rare. Being a sixty year member of P.E.O., she advocated for women's education. Joan is a charter member of Chapter SP here in Santa Cruz. Besides being an avid bridge enthusiast and a constant reader she also did volunteer work in our community. However, her greatest gift to all of us who loved and knew her well was her willingness to listen and her genuine caring spirit. Beneath the thin veneer of an occasional toughness was a heart of gold and platinum. Joan is survived by her son, Marshall. Jim Duimstra and Caren Spencer were the touchstones of her life and provided continuous ever-present love and support during her life. Her brother in law, Robert W. Carpenter, his wife Janet Connolly of New York City, and several nieces and nephews also survive Joan. Services are to be private. In lieu of floral tributes, the family would appreciate contributions be sent, in Joan's behalf, to P.E.O. Chapter SP at 1220 Laurent Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.