Joan Elaine Shelline, our beloved sister-in-law, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully from leukemia and related complications on Friday, February 16, 2024. Joan was born May 23, 1946, in Long Beach, California to Edwin Emmett and Anna Catherine Stump Shelline. Joan grew up in the South Bay and Harbor region of Los Angeles, California known as Wilmington. She attended local schools there and graduated from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California with honors in Art.
Joan was a devoted daughter and loving sister to her two brothers, Andy and Eddie, and her dear sister Carol. Her brothers were several years older, and Joan loved seeing their accomplishments, especially Andy as he raised a large family. Although Joan and her sister Carol had many diverse traits, they were the closest of friends. The two sisters had a life-long relationship, sharing hopes and dreams, caring for each other, and enjoying fun adventures together.
Joan was genuine, humble, giving and kind. She made many dear friends over the years at work, church, and most recently at the hospital. She loved going to lunch, visiting, shopping, her bunco group, collectibles, and her book club.
Joan enjoyed growing up in Southern California. She loved driving her red VW Bug, listening to the radio, and trips to Disneyland. She spoiled her nieces and nephews with beautifully wrapped gifts and cards that included cherished sentiments written in gorgeous handwriting. Joan loved children, especially babies, who were often the lucky recipients of bounteous gifts.
Joan lived life on her own terms. She was creative and independent. She worked hard to support herself for over 52 years in various capacities including retail, bookkeeping, and manufacturing, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. She was proud of owning her own home. Joan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in the Primary organization. Joan was recently surrounded by loving family and friends as she received her endowment in the Draper, Utah temple.
Joan is survived by her sister-in-law Norma (Andrew), her eight nieces and nephews, Sharon (Jim), Don (Pam), Mark (Jackie), Marcie (Dale), Stewart (Heidi), Kristi (Steve), Suzy (Eric), Jenny (Bryan), other extended family, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Andrew Leroy and Edwin Emmett Jr., and sister Carol Ann.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Heytesbury LDS Ward, 1880 E 9800 S, Sandy, Utah 84092. Viewing for friends and family will be from 9:30 - 10:30 am that day prior to the service. Graveside services and interment will be the following week at Green Hills Memorial Park in Ranchos Palos Verdes, California.
If you would like to watch the recorded services, please click on the blue "Watch Services" button above.
I miss you, Aunt Joan. Thank you for making the world a brighter place and for being such a huge part of our family. I’m sure there’s lots of laughter and hugs in heaven now that you’re back with the family you’ve had to miss for so long. I love you, Joanie.
Joan was such a special friend.
She made everyone feel as they were the most important person to her.
If it wasn't for Joan pushing my husband into taking me on a date I would probably still be single.
I love Joan and will surely miss her.
I know she is having a wonderful reunion in heaven with her parents and sibling.
Rest in peace Joan, I love you. ❤️
This was a beautiful and true tribute to our precious friend Joan. We have loved Joan and Carol being our neighbors. We enjoyed Carol's humor, and we got to know Joan best. Every interaction we had with her was filled with humility, patience, and love. From the moment we met her, we adored her. We truly feel so blessed to have her part of our lives! Love you forever and always precious Joan.
Love, Jeremy, Amelia, Everhett, Florence, Vivian, Talmage, Calvin, and Mitchell
Joan was the sweetest, most loving, caring and humble neighbor and friend. We feel the void of her absence, yet we are happy that she gets to be free from physical pain and be with her sister and loved ones who have gone before her. May God be with her family and those whom she loved, and also loved her, during this time of mourning.