On June 15, 2023, Joan Yvonne Velie Stier, 88, of Denver, CO, passed away peacefully to be with our Lord Jesus, at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth. Her daughter, Sally Wojcik, was at her side.
Joan was born on February 1, 1935, in Jamaica, NY, the second oldest of four children, to Alton and Marion (McCluskey)Velie. She graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in education and had a successful teaching and guidance counseling career. Joan was married to Ted Stier in 1979.
She lived in New Jersey, New York, California, and Colorado. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and caring for her family. She loved traveling all over the world including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Thailand. Joan enjoyed theatre, both acting in play readers, and attending live performances. She was a woman of strong faith who enjoyed attending mass, singing joyfully, and praying the rosary.
Upon her death, Joan joined her friends and family in heaven, including her father, Alton Velie, her mother, Marion Velie, her son, Paul (Susie) Dwyer, her husband, Ted Stier, her sister, Jeannette (Kody)Kodama, and her Buffalo, NY, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her daughter, Sally Wojcik, son in law Mark Wojcik, and grandchildren, Alex (Michelle) Wojcik, and Nicole (Brian) Barbera. Joan also leaves behind a sister, Mary Ann (Larry)Hall, and a brother, Albert (Janice)Velie, and many nieces and nephews.
She will be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her ability to be kind to others. Even though her end of life experience was difficult, she never complained and accepted her fate gracefully.
To all of Joan’s dear friends, you meant the world to her and to the family, she loved you all. A burial of her ashes will take place at a later date. She will be laid to rest, next to her husband, at a veterans cemetery in Sacramento, CA.
The family wants to thank the health care teams at The Gardens of St Elizabeth, Brighton Hospice, Legacy Healthcare Services, and Family Tree, for providing excellent care for Joan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the name of Joan Yvonne Stier at:
Brighton Hospice
8055 E Tufts Ave
Suite 425
Denver CO 80237
