Mary Karen Joe was born on September 12, 1932, in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago and passed away peacefully at her home on December 22, 2024. Known for her intelligence, grace, enthusiasm, and creativity, she touched the lives of all who have known her.
Mary was the eldest of 7 children and received education in English, French and Chinese before relocating to Macau with her family as a teen. In 1950, she met the love of her life, David Joe, during her first year of junior high. Their love blossomed through hand written letters, culminating in the acceptance of his proposal via international mail while attending nursing school in England. They married on December 27, 1958 in Vancouver, Canada, and established their home in Fresno, California, near his family. Mary worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Fresno Community Hospital for 5 years, but changed occupations to maximize time with her children. She helped David run their family business, Western Auto Associate Store in Kerman until her retirement in 1995.
Mary shared her love for music, arts, and academics with her four children. She was a skilled practitioner of Tai Chi, an amazing painter, enthusiastic traveler, masterful cook, and avid reader, but treasured being a loving mother and devoted wife the most.
Mary’s love and legacy remains with her family. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, David Joe, her children, Lisa Defehr and her partner Gary Spicer of Alameda, Lori Quan and her husband David Quan of San Francisco, Edward Joe and his wife Kristin Keeler of Fresno, Richard Joe and his wife YenYen Wang of Milpitas, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and numerous extended family. They carry her memory as a lasting reminder of her love, her guidance, and the meaningful life she lived.
The family thanks everyone for their love and encouragement.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 1, 2025, from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706. Celebration of her life will take place the following day, Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel followed by graveside services at Belmont Memorial Park.
Mary Karen Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and a life fully lived. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
