Joan E. Wood
December 23, 1941 ~ October 14, 2021
Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in 1941 and raised in Teddington near London, Joan was educated at Thames Valley Grammar School in Twickenham. Joan was awarded a state scholarship to the University of Manchester, where she received a B.Sc. degree in mathematics and met her husband David. She then taught high school mathematics for five years. In the summer of 1967 she and David were married. They left immediately for the United States. She worked for two years as a statistician for the University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville VA. The Wood’s moved to Fairfax in 1969. Richard and Charlotte were born, and while they were young Joan served as volunteer editor of the Greenbriar Flyer community newspaper. After moving to Oakton in 1974, Joan served as the first president of the Vale Park homeowners association.
Joan joined Navy Federal Credit Union information systems in 1978. She was a pioneer in creating the worldwide online systems used by members and branch personnel to access accounts more conveniently. These systems included touch tone teller, online teller system, automated teller machines, Y2K and debit cards. She was known throughout Navy Federal Credit Union for her hard work and dedication. She supported the systems 24/7. Joan was an excellent leader and helped everyone that she came in contact with. She won Navy Federal's prestigious Samuel Pennestri Memorial Award in 1981 and many other awards during her career. After retirement from Navy Federal in 2009, Joan enjoyed frequent trips to England to visit her family.
Joan passed away on Thursday, October 14 2021 from complications arising recently after her courageous two year battle with leukemia. She leaves her husband David, son Richard, daughter Charlotte, sister Margaret, nephew Alan, niece Pamela, and great niece Leanne. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 19 at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, Vienna, VA 22180, followed by burial at Vale United Methodist Church cemetery, 11528 Vale Road, Oakton, VA 22124.
Joan joined Navy Federal Credit Union information systems in 1978. She was a pioneer in creating the worldwide online systems used by members and branch personnel to access accounts more conveniently. These systems included touch tone teller, online teller system, automated teller machines, Y2K and debit cards. She was known throughout Navy Federal Credit Union for her hard work and dedication. She supported the systems 24/7. Joan was an excellent leader and helped everyone that she came in contact with. She won Navy Federal's prestigious Samuel Pennestri Memorial Award in 1981 and many other awards during her career. After retirement from Navy Federal in 2009, Joan enjoyed frequent trips to England to visit her family.
Joan passed away on Thursday, October 14 2021 from complications arising recently after her courageous two year battle with leukemia. She leaves her husband David, son Richard, daughter Charlotte, sister Margaret, nephew Alan, niece Pamela, and great niece Leanne. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 19 at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, Vienna, VA 22180, followed by burial at Vale United Methodist Church cemetery, 11528 Vale Road, Oakton, VA 22124.
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I’ve known Joan for forty years. 30 of those we worked side by side at Navy Federal. Joan was the best mentor, boss and most important, a wonderful friend. She’s seen me at my best and worst. Always offering support and cheering me on. Rest In Peace,Joan. I will miss you ,my friend. My condolences to David, Richard , Charlotte, Mo, Alan , Pam and Leanne. ? —-Ania
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. It was a pleasure to know Joan. She will never be forgotten. We will treasure our memories of her and offer you our condolences. Your family will be in our prayers. The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts. We are sorry beyond words for your loss.
Prayers and condolences to the family. Joan’s fingerprints are on many of the systems at Navy Federal. She was always available to offer advise and assistance in making improvements. Such a quiet spirit and a joy to work with over the years.
Joan will always be remembered for her great generosity and kindness. No matter who you were or what walk of life you came from. She was a beacon of fairness. Many of us can say we owe the success of our careers and the direction of our young lives to her leadership … My prayers go out to the family and may she rest in peace. (Rev. Dr. Barnabus Sewell)
I was one of Joan’s infusion nurses, she was delightful, full of grace and dignity. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Take care, Barb