Joan Ruth Matilda Seymour (nee Daly) was born on 12th March 1921 in Parkeston, Harwich, Essex.  She spent a happy childhood there with her sister Cath and brothers Jim and John.  There was plenty of freedom for children in those days!  When her father, Fred, retired from the Royal Navy in about 1930, the family moved to Ipswich, where he became manager of a fish restaurant.  Joan left school at the age of 14, and she was persuaded to work alongside Fred and Cath in the restaurant. 
 
When the Second World War broke out, she joined the Wrens, stationed first in London then at HMS Ganges in Shotley, where she worked in catering.  By this time she was being pursued by Alan, who had lived nearby when they were children.  Alan was a Sergeant in the RAF, stationed in Aden.   He got his way, and they were married in 1945, after which they lived in a flat above a barber’s shop.  Their son, Keith, was born in 1948, and when he was 4 years old, they moved into a new house in Fircroft Road, Ipswich.   Joan was still working in the restaurant.  Fred died in 1961 and Cath became manager.  She and Joan carried on for a few more years before Cath retired and Joan also left.    
 
Joan and Alan then bought a small general store, and later an off-licence nearby.  After a few years, the marriage broke up and Joan continued to run the shop on her own.  A family friend, Charles, who ran his own shop in Stowmarket, helped her with trips to the cash and carry until eventually Joan sold the shop.  She then worked in his shop at the same time as caring for her mother, as Cath had died in 1973.     She bought the house in Regent Street from Charles, and she stayed there until a few months ago.  After Charles died, she worked in several shops until she was 83, when she fell on the way home.  It was only then that she decided it was time to retire.
 
 
Joan had always been independent, and it was only in the last few years that she needed help. Jill, her neighbour, had been invaluable in assisting her with shopping and paying bills and lots of other ways.  Jan, her carer, went beyond the call of duty by helping with her washing and ironing.  Joan was very grateful, although there were times when she may not have seemed so!
 
Joan had a busy life, and at one time she had part-owned a boat with Charles.  She was fully occupied with painting it and keeping it clean, not to mention feeding the crew and visitors!  She was never one to sit around doing nothing!  She had many holidays and had travelled abroad, including America, Ibiza, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.  She also shared many country cottages holidays with her brother, John and sister-in-law, Joan.  She loved spending time with her family, including her Nephew Stephen and Niece, Alison and their children.  Joan also became a proud Grandmother to Rachel and Rebecca and a Great Grandmother to Rebecca’s children.
 
Joan was fond of musicals.  Fred used to take the whole family to shows in London.  They never saw the end of the show because Fred made them leave early so they didn’t miss the bus home! Joan also enjoyed dancing, which is why we have chosen Glen Miller, who was popular during the war, for the music which follows.
 
Joan lived a long life, not without its challenges.  She met these head on and with determination and carried on regardless.  She worked hard to maintain her independence and, although she was never well off, she was generous with her money.
 
Over the last few years, her mental and physical health deteriorated and despite the care she was receiving from carers 3 times day, it became clear that she was not well enough to stay alone in her own home, she moved into Chrissian Residential Home in February, she said she was happy and everyone was very kind to her. We would like to thank Wayne and all his staff for the loving care they gave Joan and the courtesy extended to the family when visiting or phoning.
 
Joan passed away peacefully on 26th July, at the age of 99, after a life well lived, and she will be remembered with love and gratitude.