Joan Allayne Blanchard

Joan Allayne Blanchard, beloved aunt, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on May 28th from Pancreatic Cancer. She is leaving behind a legacy of, “Faith, Love, Trust, and Always Being There for One Another” that will be forever remembered and cherished.

Born on April 17, 1943 at the Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, Joan embarked on a journey that touched the lives of many with her kindness and love.

Joan grew up in San Francisco. She attended Columbus Grammar School, Herbert Hoover Junior High School, and Lincoln High School class of 1960. She began her studies at the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Decorative Arts and graduated in 1965. She was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity for over 60 years. Joan went on to obtain a teaching credential from San Francisco State in 1966 and a Masters of Art in Elementary Education from the University of San Francisco in 1978.

Joan was a beloved elementary school teacher for 35 years. Most of her teaching was done at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Daly City. She spent many years teaching second grade to English/Spanish speaking students. Her love of teaching benefited a generation of students.

Joan’s heart overflowed with love for her family, and one of her greatest joys came from spending time with her nieces and nephews. She moved to Novato in 1999 to be closer to family.

Joan was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. She was part of Lakeside Presbyterian Church in San Francisco and joined their choir in 1974. She later moved to Burlingame Presbyterian Church and was an active member of their choir from 1975-1999. When she moved to Novato in 1999, she joined Novato Presbyterian Church’s choir and has been an active member ever since. She shared her love and faith through her singing.

Joan was a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution from 1987-2024 where she served as a Recording Secretary, a Chaplain, and Chapter Regent. She participated in the Marin Country Club Garden Club as she had a passion for gardening and held many positions such as President and Recording Secretary. If you ever visited her garden you would see many birds, hummingbirds, and beautiful flowers. Joan prided herself in her garden. She also was a member of the Self-Guided Realization Fellowship Group which she joined in 1988. She hosted a meditation group in her home in Burlingame for 10 years.

Joan enjoyed traveling to the Hawaiian Islands and would spend three weeks there every summer for over 30 years. She brought family with her to share the Hawaiian beauty and culture.

Joan’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched the lives of so many.

Joan is survived by her niece Heidi and Eli Hefner of Green Valley and children Jayson, Nathan, Emily, and Paige, nephew Jeff and Paula Amsden of Colorado Springs, Colorado and children Malia and Ava, and nephew Dan and Hellen Amsden of Sacramento and daughter Hannah. She is predeceased by her sister Marilyn Amsden, parents Hiram and Allayne Blanchard, and Uncle and Aunt Howard and Lorraine McKinley. Joan is also survived by many cousins and brother-in-law Barry Amsden and his wife Lynette.

Our family would like to say a special thank you to our Aunt’s caregivers Millie, Connie, Francilia, and Jessica.

A service in our Aunt’s honor will be held at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Boulevard, Novato on Sunday, June 16 at 2 pm. Burial Services will be private.

Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Novato Presbyterian Church (pcnovato.org) or the Marin Country Club Garden Club (marincountryclub.com).