Joan Katherine Steyn

Joan was born in 1927, in Oil City, PA, to Sheridan Heath and Katherine (Thompson) Heath. She was inspired to be a nurse by her Aunt Patsy, an Army nurse and platoon leader of a field hospital during Operation D-Day in World War II. Joan graduated from Christian Buhl Hospital in Sharon, PA, as a cadet nurse, and became a Navy nurse in August 1950. During the Korean War, she worked at Yokosuka Naval Hospital in Japan, tending to young soldiers who had serious and sometimes fatal wounds. During her 10 years in the Navy, she rose to the rank of Lt. Commander, also serving in Guam, Pensacola, FL; and Bethesda, MD.

In 1960, Joan married Rolf William Steyn, a Navy doctor, and they enjoyed 33 years of marriage. While in the Navy, they were stationed in Bethesda, MD; Charleston, SC; Naples, Italy; and Oakland, CA. Their last tour of duty was in Washington, DC, and they settled in Annandale, VA. There, she became an active volunteer with the Fairfax Hospital Treasure Trove, took up golf, and raised her family.

After her husband died in 1993, she was terribly sad for a period of time. She made a new life after a couple of years, and joined organizations such as the American Legion, and the Military Women’s Memorial. She also joined the Widowed Persons Service of Northern Virginia, becoming team leader of the Annandale group for seven years. It was there that she met her fiancée, Paul Newcombe. They have been together for 18 years.

She is survived by Paul, as well as her son William (Susan), and grandchildren Katherine and John. She loved her grandchildren so very much. She is also survived by her sister Sue Micucci of New Hampshire, nieces Suzanne Goodman, Marina Sutton, Cinda Feidel, and nephews Steve Micucci, and Michael Seigworth. Her siblings, Sheridan Heath and Nancy Seigworth predeceased her.

Funeral services will be held at the Greenspring Chapel in Springfield, VA, on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow at the Village Eatery at Village Square. Private interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Military Women’s Memorial.