Joan Frances Luciano passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Eureka on Sept. 11, 2016. She was 82.
Joan was born on March 21, 1934, to Teresa Mary Augusta Steiger and William Elliot Appleby. She grew up in Chester, New Jersey with her siblings, Donald, Richard, Thomas and Marilyn.
In 1948, she met the love of her life, Alfred John Luciano, and in 1950 they married at Hildale Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. In the early years of their marriage, Joan and Al raised their growing family for a period of time in Cedar Knolls, and later in other parts of northern New Jersey. They had six biological children as well as an adopted son. In 1972, the family moved to Eureka where they bought and developed land and owned a ranch, on which they raised cattle and alfalfa hay.
Dedi-cated to raising her children, Joan had a passion for gardening, dancing, baking and creating delicious meals. She used her talent for cooking to nurture many; she generously opened the Luciano home to extended family, friends, workers and neighborhood children both in New Jersey and Montana. All who sat at the family dinner table were welcomed and loved.
Always passionate about learning new skills, Joan succeeded in learning how to fly a plane, earning her Pinch Hitters license. She also proudly raised Seeing Eye dogs for the blind, amongst other achievements. Joan was best known for the incredible gardens that she maintained throughout her lifetime. She spent many hours in her greenhouse growing ingredients for her homemade original recipes. Some of her happiest times were spent nurturing her rose gardens in which she took great pride. Other favorite hobbies that she enjoyed included making candles, taking art classes, rock collecting and rock tumbling. Always a compassionate animal lover, she sheltered many animals over the years.
Joan maintained her presence as the matriarch of a large family with unwavering elegance and grace. She was a very loving, kindhearted soul to all who knew her. She will be best remembered for her strong-willed, distinguished personality and her compassion to nurture countless individuals during her lifetime through love, dignity, and respect. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Teresa and William Appleby, husband Al Luciano, and brother Donald Appleby.
She is survived by her children, Judy A. Luciano, Michael J. Luciano, Alfred A. Luciano, Daniel W. Luciano, Richard P. Luciano, Donald A. Luciano, and Willie King, along with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in her name to The Green Beret Foundation, www.greenberetfoundation.org ; The Seeing Eye, www.seeingeye.org ; or any other charity of your choice