Joan B. Larkin

Joan Borders Larkin died peacefully in her home in San Francisco May 26 at age 89. She was born in Kenova, West Virginia, April 16 1933. As a child, she moved with her family to many states including Las Vegas, Missouri, and Idaho. Both her parents worked in education. Joan became a nurse, studying at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois where she met her lifetime friends. She loved baseball and would go on “Lady’s Day” in Chicago in the early 1950s when all women could get in free. She also loved Broadway shows and became a volunteer theater usher. After graduation, her nursing friends lured her to roommate with them in San Francisco.

After moving to San Francisco in 1956, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Larkin. Bill died just three months prior to Joan’s passing after having been happily married for 64 years. She was a loving devoted wife and mother. She leaves behind two children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her widowed brother, William “Bill” Borders, presently lives in Nevada.

She loved to travel and saw many historic sites, cathedrals, and art museums around the world. Joan was a passionate donating member with the Asian Arts Museum. Before she became blind with inherited macular degeneration, she enjoyed the Ballet and Opera. She continued to love going to the San Francisco Symphony up until her passing and was a season ticket holder. She was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club where she honed her skills at bridge, enjoyed social get-togethers, and went swimming daily in the pool. Joan was devoted about going to church every Sunday. She will be remembered for her kindness and happy demeanor. To all who loved her, please give her a toast in her memory, along with her husband, as she could not bear to be apart from him for long after his death.