Joan Frances (Gregoire) Butch

Joan Frances Butch, age 89, died on August 12, 2022 in her home in Arroyo Grande, California in the loving arms of her husband, Tom. Joan was born in Chicago, Illinois.

After graduating from Gage Park High School in Chicago, Joan became a Secretary for Union Carbine, moved out to California and became a stewardess for Western Airlines. Tom and Joan crossed paths during a blind date in 1956 in a home in Long Beach, and ended up in Disneyland where Tom tapped danced across the Frontierland bridge. They were married a year later. Once wed, Joan had to quit Western Airlines and became a housewife and mother. From that point on Joan dedicated her life to her husband and her children. She was an active school volunteer, she led all her daughters through Camp Fire Girls, and lovingly supported her ambitious husband.

            Joan was a talented painter and an avid reader. She swam, played volleyball, and was a vintage movie buff. Joan and Tom were extensive travelers. They explored all seven continents. Joan fished and caught piranha on the Amazon River, climbed Ayres Rock in Australia, and rode on the back of a motorbike with a Burmese official when she was 80 years old!

            Joan leaves her husband, Tom, of 65 years and her three daughters, Diane, Suzanne, and Janis. Her grandchildren, Elise, Tom, Angela, and Alex will miss their spirited grandma.

On August 29, 2022 a mass to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Arroyo Grande at 11:00 am. A reception and burial will follow the mass.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Frances (Gregoire) Butch, please visit our floral store.