Joan Swan
May 8, 1931-May 9, 2011
Joan Swan was born in Chicago, Ill in 1931 to John and Elsie Swan. She grew up in the Scandinavian part of Chicago with lots of aunts, uncles and cousin. She was the older sister to Carol Swan Murphy. The Swan family moved to California when Joan was in elementary school. While they moved around California the family finally settled in Glendale where she attend Toll and graduated in 1949 from Hoover High School. Joan worked for the Glendale Police department after high school and attended Glendale Junior College before getting a degree from Redlands University and a Masters from USC in Library Science. Joan served as a librarian for JPL for 38 years, proud to play a small part in NASA’s programs. She was a member of La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, PEO and American Business Women’s Association. She was a loved Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Aunt and Great Aunt. While never having children of her own, she took the role of aunt seriously not only for her Nieces, Kathleen Murphy and Pat Murphy Chambers and Nephew Richard Murphy but to Taylor, Blaine, Kelsey and Riley Chambers as well (Grand Nephews and Nieces). Many called her Aunt Joan, and she wore that title proudly. Joan passed away on May 9, 2011 following a battle with diabetes and heart problems. Services will be held at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church on Thursday, May 19th at 4pm. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be given to the Center for Children, a program where Joan volunteered for many years and where her sister was and niece is the director, 2902 Montrose Ave, La Crescenta CA 91214.