Patricia Joan Stafford

1930-2019

(Patricia) Joan Stafford, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on January 27, 2019 in Medina, Ohio. She was born to Glenna and Stanley Patrick of Marlette, Mich. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich.

Joan was also an accomplished trumpeter in many different bands and orchestras nearly her entire life and for years was trumpet section leader in the Twin City Symphony Orchestra, St. Joseph, Mich.

Married to her college sweetheart, Jack, in 1952 they had five children together. To keep herself occupied after Jack’s unexpected death in 1980, Joan learned to play the pipe organ and went on to serve as organist and pianist at Centenary United Methodist Church, Danville, Ky., for over 30 years.

In addition to her busy career as homemaker, wife and loving mother, Joan taught private piano lessons since the age of 12 instilling the love of music for hundreds of students in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky including her own children and grandchildren. She also taught music at Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio and Centre College, Danville, Ky.

Joan’s days were filled with gardening, Bridge club, recipe club, church services and activities, playing piano music at Danville’s Rotary Club luncheons, going to many Centre College Fine Arts programs, international travel, as well as attending many family events.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; her parents; and three brothers, Don, Bob and Harold.

She is survived by children, John (Kathy) Stafford of St. Joseph, Mich., Cinthia (Bob) Wolfe of Whitmore Lake, Mich., Linda (Brian) Cutler of Medina, Ohio, Pam (Matt) Huff of La Porte, Ind., and Paul (Joni) Stafford of Lexington, Ky.; grandchildren, David, Michael, Samuel, Brian, Joan, Laura, Carrie, Kimberly, Erin, Stephanie, Alisen, Ben, Sean, Christopher, and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Aralyn, Declan, Graham, Elias, Gideon, Abram, Caleb, David, Jack, Reese, Sophia, Leon, Gabriel, Charlotte, Liam, and Lorelai (due July, 2019).

Joan donated her body to Cleveland Clinic Lerner Medical School so that even in her death she could aid in the education of future medical and dental professionals.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held February 23, 2019 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 1441 Perryville Rd, Danville, KY 40422. Family to receive guests at 10:30 a.m., life celebration at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

To honor Joan’s desire of this service being a celebration of life, the family requests festive colored clothing be worn instead of mourning colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Centenary United Methodist Church (specifically for Pipe Organ maintenance and repairs), 1441 Perryville Road, Danville, KY 40422; University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance – Music Education Enrichment Fund – 308430 https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#!/give/basket/fund/308430; The UofM – Adelia Cheever Society – for house enhancement or scholarship (Please specify), c/o Ms Alisande Cutler – Treasurer, 1265S Maple Ed. Apartment 208, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4474; Rotary Club of Danville, PO Box 729, Danville, KY 40423; or a charity of your choice.