Joan Eastburn Lingrey

Long-time Downey resident, Joan Eastburn Lingrey, passed away on June 21, 2017 at the age of 86.

Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska to parents Fern and Glenn Eastburn, Joan spent her childhood in Seattle, Washington before moving with her family to Los Angeles, where she graduated from Dorsey High School in 1949 and attended University of Southern California. Joan met the love of her life, William (Bill) Lingrey, while still in high school; their relationship lasted for 70 years. Bill and Joan married in 1950 and moved to Downey in 1953.

A life-long volunteer, Joan enjoyed involvement in the Downey public schools where, among other positions, she worked in the Rio Hondo Elementary School library and served as president of the Warren High School PTA. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and spent 25 years as a Pink Lady with the Downey Regional Medical Center Auxiliary where she edited their newsletter. Her most satisfying involvement was with P.E.O., a philanthropic organization to which her mother, Fern, and daughter, Leslie, also belonged.

After Bill’s retirement, he and Joan joined Pacific Cruisers, a group of motorhome enthusiasts. Together, they enjoyed planning outings, traveling the country, and meeting interesting people. Joan was a caring, gregarious woman who went out of her way to ensure that old friends and new acquaintances alike felt “like family.”

Joan is survived by her husband, Bill; two sons, Steve (Debbie) Lingrey and Mike (Suzanne) Lingrey; grandchildren, Jon Lingrey, Lora Lingrey, Caitlin Lingrey, and Shawna Lingrey; sister, Ruth Rolin; brother, Jim Eastburn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Leslie Ware.

Services will be private. Donations in Joan’s name may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind (www.guidedogs.com).