In Memory

Joan Thomson (Perry) - Class Of 1943

Joan Thomson (Perry)

Mrs. Joan T. Perry, 81, died Friday, February 9, 2007, surrounded by her family, at Air Force Village West in Riverside, California, from complications arising after a stroke. She was born on January 3, 1926, the daughter of William and Elsie Thomson of Los Angeles. Mrs. Perry grew up in San Marino and attended the University of California at Berkeley.

In November of 1944, she met Lt. Oliver Hazard Perry, Jr., whom she married on December 10, 1945. They enjoyed nearly 58 years of marriage until his death in 2003. As the wife of a military officer, she had the great pleasure of entertaining many dignitaries in the U.S., Italy and Brazil. She continued to enjoy entertaining family and friends after retirement, and was widely known as vivacious and caring. Joan was an accomplished artist and pianist and immensely enjoyed classical music.

Survivors include two sons, Oliver Perry III and his wife Sheila of Annapolis, Maryland, and William Perry and his wife Nancy of Pepperell, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Colleen Perry Shaffer and her husband Kris of New Haven, Connecticut, Allison Perry of Durham, North Carolina, Leslie Perry of Fairfax, Virginia and LCpl Oliver Perry, IV, currently stationed in Iraq; and by her sister, Eleanor Harding and her husband Gordon of Reno, Nevada. 

San Diego Union Tribune, February 20, 2007