Joan Jo M. Beveridge Duncan

DUNCAN, Jo Joan Beveridge
Portage, Michigan Passed away suddenly at home on February 20, 2008. Joan was born September 27, 1929 in Kalamazoo to Robert and Winifred Beveridge. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947, along with her future husband, Robert Duncan, whom she would marry on September 16, 1950. Members of her family include her children, Susan Vanderberg of Denver, CO, Lorie Bill Reed of Kalamazoo, Jeffrey Sheri Duncan of Vicksburg and David Duncan of Norwalk, CT; her grandchildren are Erin and Stefany Vanderberg, Kelly Reed John Graham and Andrew Sarah Reed, Sawyer and Carver Duncan, Cole, Emma and Jacob Duncan. Great grandchildren are Alana and Riley Reed; her sisters are Janet James Poulston of Sarasota, FL, Connie Joseph Policky of Fox Lake, IL and Barbara Cline of Mattawan. Joan owned Stretch & Sew Fabrics for a number of years and was co-owner of Kalamazoo Catering and Vending, Inc. She was a member of the Portage Garden Club, who honored her with a lifetime membership to the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. for her meritorious service to the club. She was a member of the Portage United Church of Christ, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the KIA Art League and was a charter member of the Moors Golf Club. She served the Glowing Embers Girl Scout Council as a Board Member and Vice President and was awarded their highest honor, the Thanks Badge. Joan was a kind and loving woman who enjoyed swimming with her "Y" friends three times a week. She loved her beautiful gardens and passed along her love of gardening to all four of her children. She loved to travel, especially overseas, having enjoyed visiting England, Ireland and Scotland, Europe and especially China. She was loved, admired and absolutely adored by her high school sweetheart and husband of 57 years, her children and grandchildren. She maintained lifelong friendships, still lunching with her high school girlfriends and her former Stretch & Sew employees. Joan was active with Ministry With Community and delivered for Meals On Wheels. We've lost our warm and devoted wife, mother and friend. May the beauty, strength and grace she bestowed on us follow her always. She is already greatly missed. We love you Mom. Services will be held at 11 am Saturday at the Portage United Church of Christ, 2731 W. Milham Ave. with the Rev. Lisa Kothe officiating. Friends may meet the family this evening from 4-7 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory be made to the Portage Senior Center or the Portage United Church of Christ. Please sign Joan's register book and leave a condolence for the family at www.langelands.com 343-1508