WILMINGTON — Joan Bozeman passed away on September 14, 2024, at age 84.
Joan was born in Australia, the eldest daughter of George and Mary Rance, both deceased. She is survived by her sister Marion (John) Derrick and her brother George (Maria) Rance, nieces Michelle Dobber, Celia Lanham, Yvette Rance and nephew David Derrick, their children, and many friends.
Joan graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelors in Science degree, and Meredith College with a Master’s in Business. She retired from Duke Energy (aka Carolina Power and Light Company, Progress Energy) after 23 years as a Power Generation Chemist at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport, North Carolina. She was honored to be asked to work with the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) in Switzerland and considered this to be one of her major career accomplishments.
Joan was a citizen of the world. Internationally, she lived in Australia, Germany and France. Her work and personal travels included Switzerland, England, Ireland, Scotland, Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal and Spain as well as many sites around the United States with nuclear facilities. Stateside, Joan resided in Georgia, California, Maryland and North Carolina. She loved trips with friends to Florida and New York finding joy in discovering new places.
Upon retirement, Joan began volunteering as a guardian ad litem in New Hanover County, and as a docent at the Cameron Art Museum. She was a patron of the arts, philanthropist and dedicated pet owner. She enjoyed hiking, gardening, dancing, travelling and the arts.
Joan was a founding member of Saint Peter the Fisherman Charismatic Episcopal Church in Wilmington. A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on November 30, 2024 at 1 p.m. with reception following.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Church of St. Peter the Fisherman, 314 South Carolina Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401; Friends of Felines, Wilmington, NC; or a charity of your choice.
