Joan Mitzi Laurila Mahoney passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was 67 years old.

Joan was born November 14, 1949, the daughter of an aircraft maintenance technician for the U.S. Army Air Corps stationed in Japan. She graduated from Camp Zama High School then attended Michigan State University. She obtained both her undergraduate and graduate in the field of nutrition.

Later in her life, she traveled with her family and professionally in a number of capacities with the US foreign services in Micronesia, Egypt, and Indonesia. She retired from the National Academy of Sciences having served in Pakistan and Washington DC.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Maya; son, Marshall; three grandchildren, Gabe, Ava, and Liam.

A celebratory brunch was held on October 15, 2017 at her daughter’s home. Her viewing will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria, VA on October 16th 2017, from 5 to 8pm. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Susan G Komen Foundation.

Joan's daughter posted the following words on Facebook:  "This world lost a true gem yesterday. Really trying to stay strong, though we're heartbroken, as that was mom's most admirable characteristic until the very end. Despite adversity (her younger brother dying of cancer, her mother passing, getting breast cancer for the first time, divorce, getting breast cancer for the second time, her father dying) she always came out a better and stronger person, demonstrating true grace, forgiveness, compassion, and hope. You're finally at peace, Mom."