Joan Dolores Christo

Joan was born on July 26, 1930 to George and Joan Keefe in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from St. Edwards High School in Dallas. Joan married Joe Christo II in 1951. They lived in Texas, Connecticut, and Mississippi, and settled in Austin, Texas in 1970. Joan and Joe were married 35 years and spent many happy years together raising five children. Joe preceded her in death in 1986. Joan married Jim Bruner in 1990, and moved to Florida. They enjoyed travelling the world and especially enjoyed going to Glenn Miller festivals. Jim preceded her in death in 2012.

Joan had a special place in her heart for children, especially those that were going through tough times. She and Joe cared for several children in foster care. Joan was thrilled to recently reconnect with one of them, Carla Buzzard. Joan also volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The doors to the Christo home were always open to friends, priests and others for a meal, or a place to be on holidays. Joan loved to have fun and was not afraid to try new things; she took up flying lessons when she turned 61! She was always happy and had a smile on her face, and she spread joy to others around her. She was an expert at detailed story telling. She was a founding member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin. Her faith was very important to her; she often told others she would keep them in her prayers, and she did!

Over the years, she worked as a stewardess and a school librarian. Once kids were grown she took a course to become a Certified Graphoanalyst. She was a member of the International Graphoanalysis Society. She lectured, taught classes, and was named Graphoanalyst of the Year. She was an excellent Document Examiner; she did an apprenticeship with the Austin Police Department’s Forgery Detail and went on to start her own business – Script Services, Inc., and later, Bruner-Christo Associates. Above all though, she was most proud of being a mom to her children; she loved them dearly.

Survivors include her children - Mary Williams, Cathy Christo (Jim), Joe Christo (Paula), Michael Christo (Betsy), and Teresa Olivarez (Santos). She adored her six grandchildren: Rikki Fontenot, Michael Joseph Williams (Sydney), Meredith Lucchesi (Nicholas), Lindsay Goodrich (Travis), Travis Christo, Dillon Christo, Matthew Olivarez (Kimberly), and Rebecca Vuylsteke (Jack). Joan was very thankful to live long enough to see nine great-grandchildren. At one of our last family get-togethers, she commented that being with her family “is the greatest thing in my life”. She is also survived by her dog, Cherie, who has been by her side constantly since Joan came home from the hospital.

The love, joy, kindness, and faith that Joan shared with everyone she encountered will be remembered by all. We are comforted to know that she is with our Heavenly Father.

The family would like to thank all of Joan’s caregivers from Home Instead, especially her long-term caregivers, Annette, Margaret and Rebecca, who took care of Joan for almost three years. You helped Joan with making beautiful crafts, did Joan’s hair, make-up and nails, and made her feel special. You also gave up holidays and filled in whenever needed. We so much appreciate all that you did for her. We also want to thank Hospice Austin, especially Joan’s long-term caregivers – Misty, Patricia and Sheena. Joan loved you all and she could not have received better care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 5, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 14501 North Interstate 35 in Pflugerville, Texas. The Funeral Service will be on Friday May 6, 2022 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or CASA, which were two of Joan’s favorite charities.