••• Joan Louise Muenzer April 1932-Nov. 2020
Joan Louise Muenzer passed peacefully on Thanksgiving Day at home in Leisure World with family at her bedside. Joan was born in Millvale, Pennsylvania, to Daniel and Marie Saul. Joan graduated from Millvale High School in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart, Bob Muenzer, in 1951. They were blessed with three children and moved to Long Beach, California, in 1955, following in the footsteps of her oldest sister, Melva. While Bob worked, Joan worked part-time for Van de Kamp’s bakery and was devoted to raising her children and keeping the household in impeccable order. Joan was highly organized and took great care of herself and everyone around her. She was known for her perfectly styled red hair, beautiful smile, generous heart, exercising daily, keeping her floors spotless, clipping coupons, her attention to detail and healthy homemade dinners. Joan was a deeply loved and admired member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Long Beach for 65 years. She served as a deacon, a leader of the church’s women’s group and an advocate for the church’s free after-school program to children of Long Beach called Rising TIDE.
She was also very involved in PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) which provides educational scholarships to women worldwide. She served as president of her chapter from 2008-2010.
Although she greatly enjoyed being involved in her community, her favorite role came later as a grandmother. She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and was very involved in their lives. She made sure to attend all birthday parties, graduations, sports games, dance recitals, etc. She was devoted, generous and very loving.
Once Bob retired, they moved to Leisure World and traveled around the world enjoying many trips with a group called, “Traveling Tigers.” Their favorite trips included Tahiti, Hawaii, and cruising the Mediterranean.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, courage and strength. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Joan is survived by her husband; Bob Muenzer, her three children, Rick Muenzer (Kristen), Bobby Muenzer (Lynda) and Vicky Stanton (Duane); 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Special mention also to her caretakers, Nancy, Gabe and Linda as well as Dr. Vora and Mary Welch, NP at Memorial.
Those wishing to honor Joan’s life are invited to donate to Long Beach Covenant Presbyterian’s after-school program Rising TIDE at www.covenantlb.org or Todd Memorial Cancer at memorialcare. org. – Paid obituary
