Joyce Quan

Joyce Quan, 85, was known as “Mom” by everyone who knew her. Joyce was born on March 30, 1932 in Fresno. She was a student at Edison High School, where friends remember her as being very pretty. In her youth, she enjoyed road trips to Sequioa National Park and Avila Beach with friends.

After graduating high school, she worked at the telephone company in the business office, until she married Ducky in 1955 and went to work in his family’s business as a bookkeeper at Golden California Meat Packer, Inc. which was founded by her father-in-law Henry Quan Chuck in 1925 in Old Chinatown.

In 1980, Joyce and Ducky opened Stuart Quan’s Karate to highlight son Stuart and daughter Kathy’s considerable martial arts talent. Competition in tournament karate led Joyce, Ducky, Stuart, and Kathy to tournaments and events across the U.S. and internationally, and the school became well-known and was respected among the nation’s top martial arts schools. The school also developed a close “Dojo” family that added to her enjoyment of life. She ended up training in Shotokan Karate herself as well, and earned her black belt in 1990 at age 60.

She was a remarkable and devoted mother who took great joy in her family, including son Richard and his wife Nancy and their children, daughter Kathryn and her husband Bryan Doi, and son Stuart and his wife Debi and their children.

Joyce loved and cherished her grandchildren, Brandon and Regan Quan, as well as, her five step-grandchildren, and ten step-great grandchildren. In 2006, Joyce moved into Somerford Place until her passing. Here she participated in the many activities in the Adult Day Care program with other residents. She particularly loved playing bingo with Snickers bars as prizes. She also prayed and kept her Christian faith, attending Sunday services regularly.

Joyce’s family would like to express their deep appreciation for the devotion and care of the caregivers and staff at Somerford Place and the many healthcare providers who helped in Mom’s care over the years.

Visitation will be held at the Stephens & Bean Chapel at 202 N. Teilman in Fresno on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the G.L. Johnson Chapel at Peoples Church at 7172 N. Cedar Ave. in Fresno, on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.