Obituary of Joan Neighbors

NEIGHBORS, Joan On May 23, 2017, Joan passed gently in the loving care of her daughters and grandson and the dedicated staff of Casa de La Luz Hospice. Joan was born in Ashley, PA, and raised in Arlington, VA. Upon graduating from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish, Joan was hired by The Library of Congress as a bibliographer. In 1949 she married Walter Draper Neighbors in Arlington, where they raised their three daughters. When youngest daughter, Julie was born with Down's Syndrome, she quickly became the adored centerpiece of the family. After Julie completed her early education, Joan and Walt joined other parents to organize a private school to ensure a secondary education for their teenage children with intellectual disabilities. Joan was a regular volunteer at the school. She found relaxation on the golf course. As retirement beckoned, Joan and Walt built and enjoyed houses at both Lake Monticello in Charlottesville, VA, and Sun City Vistoso. Eventually, Joan, Walt and Julie settled permanently in Tucson where they had many happy years together and continued to make new "lifetime" friends. Julie passed in 2002; Walt in 2004. In joining them, Joan leaves daughter, Susan Neighbors and son-in-law, Dick Baughman; daughter, Cynthia Morgan Neighbors and cherished grandson, Lee Morgan McLaughlin, who filled Joan's 'single' years with great joy. In a recent expression of gratitude for "the wonderful life I've had," it was Joan's sincere hope that you will remember her bright smile with your bright smile. If you knew her, that won't be hard to do. A private remembrance was held. A donation in Joan's name may be made to Casa de La Luz Hospice, 7740 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704 (www.casafoundation.org). Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.