Joan was born in 1934 in Montgomery, Pennsylvania and migrated with her parents to Huntington Beach, CA in 1948. She attended Huntington Beach High School where she was an outstanding student and athlete. After graduating from High School she attended and graduated from Orange Coast College. During her tenure at college she was one of the leading contenders in women's tennis. After school she becomes club champion at her local golf course. Her professional career consisted of such diverse skills as a secretary, substitute teacher, assistant librarian and a very successful real estate agent.