Joan Grube McAllister

Joan was born July 12, 1930, in Drexel Hill, Pa., the second child of Fred and Olga (Gottschling) Grube. She graduated from Upper Darby High School and earned a full scholarship to the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University). She chose to rejoin the workforce instead – she once estimated she had held 20 jobs since age 14, from entry-level to management – taking a position with the Atlantic Refining Company in Philadelphia. In 1950, she married Robert R. McAllister and the couple would live in a variety of cities, including Levittown, Pa.; Richmond, Ind.; Scottsdale, Ariz., Downingtown, Pa., and Omaha, Neb.

While in Scottsdale during the 1960s, Joan raised two young sons and worked part-time as a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant. Later, she became a fashion model for Flair Modeling Agency, modeling clothes for Phoenix department store events and advertising campaigns. She would move on to become studio manager of the Gittings Portrait Studio in Phoenix before the family returned to the Philadelphia area. There, Joan oversaw the 400-unit Marchwood Apartments in Exton, Pa.

In retirement, the couple lived in several locations in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. They often traveled recreationally and to visit family. Joan’s final years were spent in Richmond.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Fred Jr., and her husband of more than 61 years. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Ray “Ray” McAllister Jr. (Vicki) of Richmond, and Craig Carson McAllister (Mia) of Valley Head, W.Va., as well as by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family appreciates the love and care given to Joan by the staff of Arden Courts Memory Care Community and by Hospice of Virginia. Family members will receive friends at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Woody Funeral Home, Huguenot Chapel, in Midlothian. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.