"We send our sincerely sympathy to you in the loss of your Mother. We remember many good times with your Mother and Father in Shenandoah. God Bless."
In loving memory of
Joan Stanley
January 19, 2010
Joan Elaine Brady Stanley was born on October 30, 1928 in Dorsey, Nebraska. She was the second of five children born to William Lloyd and Iva (Butterfield) Brady. Joan was raised on the Brady family farm and graduated from O'Neill High School in O'Neill, Nebraska. She continued her education at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska where she received her B.A. Degree in Education.
While attending Doane, Joan met another student named Larry Stanley from Thurman, Iowa. They married on January 16, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union three children were born; Lisa, Matthew, and Mark.
Prior to her marriage, Joan worked at Fairmont Foods in Omaha. When she married Larry, he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and they lived on military posts in Fort Still, OK; Fort Baggs, NC; and Fort Benning, GA. Joan held several positions at these posts, including secretary to the Brigadier General. Following the military years, Joan taught school for a year, before she and Larry began their family.
The cornerstone of Joan's life was her family. She was a devoted wife to Larry for 52 years, until his death in 2006. Her children and grandchildren will always remember a loving, supportive, Joan, who was always there for them- to listen, to counsel, to love.
After her children were grown, Joan worked part-time at First Federal Bank in Shenandoah, and at the First Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah, where she was a member. Joan's absolute favorite thing to do in her spare time was to read. She was a member of the Book Club, P.E.O., and the informal Friday Coffee Club. She made many cherished friends through these associations.
Joan passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at the age of 81 following a period of declining health. She is survived by her children Lisa Brunk and husband Lou of Farragut, Dr. Matthew Stanley and wife Susan of Sioux Falls, and Mark Stanley and wife Angela of Glenwood; grandchildren Zachary Smiley and wife Jamie of Council Bluffs, Jordan Franks, Alexandra, Samantha, Elaina, and Brett Stanley, and Mitchell, Erin, and Trey Stanley; great-grandchildren Este, Tatum, and Gwen Smiley and Teagan Willis; sister-in-law Sharon Brady; brothers-in-law Marvin Richter and Dean Van Every; and sister Shirley Hall and husband Ted; brother William Brady and wife Judy; other family and friends.