Joan Winifred AnnSTAPLES (ALLEN)1st December, 1931 – 21st February, 2022 Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Born in Duncton, Sussex as one of 8 children, Joan grew up during World War II. She learned to work hard and treasure everything she owned. She married her teenage sweetheart John Robert Staples of Singleton, Susssex and they built a happy and loving family life together. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before her beloved husband, John, passed away in 2014. Joan and John started their married life with John doing his National Service in Blandford Forum, Dorset. They lived at Down End Farm where their first two children, David and Edwina, were born. While Joan was a dedicated homemaker, she soon learned that John would have her travel and live in many parts of the world. Moving to Norwich Joan had her third child, Jeremy, and two years later John decided to head back to the Middle East for work and Joan moved the whole family to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf where they spent the next five years. Living on an island meant Joan had some spare time so she learned to sew and made her own day, cocktail and evening dresses. Coming back to the UK she and John returned to Norwich where they established a large social group of friends and neighbours. She loved walking her rescued Afghan dog, Kharl, through Mousehold Heath every day. Later on in life she took up knitting so she could be busy in the evenings and make things for the grandchildren and great grandchildren. As the family grew up and left home Joan was never happier when everyone, including spouses Shirley, Paul and Jill, showed up for Saturday night dinners, Sunday lunches or other family events. Her epic baking treats included pies and crumbles, walnut cake and the best gooey ginger cake ever. Soon grandchildren followed and Granny was in her element with Mark, Phillippa, Felicity, Robbie, Kirsten and Adrien in her life. The family gradually expanded to include great grandchildren: Joshua, Rebecca and Oliver. With Edwina and Jeremy having emigrated to Canada in the 1980’s Joan spent many trips with John visiting Canada. Upon retirement they travelled the world heading out to visit Australia, Africa, South America and Europe. Joan is survived by her children: David Staples (Shirley), Edwina Melville-Gray and Jeremy Staples (Jill), her 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Special thanks to David and Shirley Staples for the care they have provided to Mum since Dad passed away. A private memorial for the family is planned where Mum will join Dad in their final resting place, near where they spent time courting as 16 year olds. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation in honour of Joan to the charity, Chatterbox Norwich Talking Newspaper, Peterson House, 240 King Street, Norwich, NR1 2TT.
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