Joan Catherine Ridley, 84, died Friday, September 13, 2019 at her home in Los Angeles, California, following a brief illness. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Gladys Boylon Ridley & Howell Hopson Ridley. She attended Marywood Academy from kindergarten through high school and graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. While attending Aquinas she worked at Steketees Department store in downtown Grand Rapids as a sales clerk. She moved to Beverly Hills, California shortly after graduation and then moved to the Los Feliz area, residing in the same building for 59 years. Joan was a multifaceted woman and her work history reflects that. Her first job was at the Beverly Hills Times as an Assistant Editor. This was followed by a position at Wesley West as an Executive Secretary. In 1960 Joan found her home at Security Pacific National Bank. She began as an interim clerk and rose steadily through the ranks, retiring from the bank in 1993 as Vice-President of Marketing, thoroughly impressing her nieces with the idea that a woman could attain such a position in corporate America. It was quite an accomplishment for a woman in her time… From 1993 to 2014 Joan worked at a financial data processing center, a tool and dye company and a property management company. In 2014 she officially retired. In her retirement Joan enjoyed taking walks with her dogs and catching up on all the reading she never had time for. She was always ready to help her friends with their various projects by interjecting her creative style and expertise. The end result transformed the simple into a stunning result. Joan was a beautiful, fashionable woman with a warm smile, a sharp wit and a generous heart. She was an extraordinary person loved and admired by all those fortunate enough to have known her. She is survived by her sister, Sister Susan “Marie Pius”, Ridley O.P., her brother Howell (Kay) Ridley and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A short Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 9th at O’Brien – Eggebeen Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Deacon Dennis Williams officiating. The family will receive visitors a half hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, 2025 Fulton Street E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
4 Responses
Sr. Sue and Howell, please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. It sounds as if Joan was very much a part of your lives. I know that Sr. Sue always looked forward to her time in CA with Joan. With deep love, Sr. Phyllis Supancheck
Joan was so kind and supportive to me. I met her in 1973 when I worked with her in the Advertising Division at Security Pacific Bank. Although I Had not been in touch her lately, I always thought of her, especially when I would drive by her home in Los Feliz. She loved her family, friends and home dearly. I loved all the stories she would tell regarding her Mom, sister and brother. I will hold those memories close. She’s the only one that would call me “Lin or Linny”. Miss you Joan!
Joan will be truly missed. While I haven’t been in contact with her for many years, I have wonderful memories of our days together at Security Pacific Bank. Peace and prayers to her family and loved ones.
Joan will be missed by many of her Security Pacific Family. She was always such an intelligent, funny classy lady. I had the pleasure of working with her at the back and will remember her for her style and kindness to all. My deepest condolences to her family.