Joan Shields Wise

Joan Shields Wise passed peacefully early Wednesday morning, January 18, 2017. She was the second child of Minnette Ruddiman Shields and Adrien Michael Shields and born on August 23, 1934 in St, Petersburg, Florida. Their family then moved to Washington, D.C. where her mother would take her to museums, galleries, and libraries every Sunday.

She attended college at the University of Maryland where she earned her teaching degree. Joan married the love of her life Henry “Hank” Wise in August of 1956, the summer after she graduated from the university. She worked as a second-grade teacher when she was 22 and later did clerical work in an office that manufactured typewriter ribbons for 16 years.

After having their first child in 1958, Hank and Joan moved to California where they had four more children and settled down in Los Angeles. Joan’s selfless and caring nature impacted every life she touched and we will hold her vibrant spirit in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her husband Henry Wise, her children Jenny, Cathy, Mike, Jodi, and Rich as well as her grandchildren Alyssa, Brett, Alexis, Emily, Taylor, Kendall, and Tessa.

There will be a service at Oakwood Cemetery Saturday January 21st at 10 a.m. at the cemetery chapel followed by an on-site burial. Afterward, we will hold a reception at the family home in Woodland Hills, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Arthritis Foundation.

Oakwood Cemetery:

22601 Lassen St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Family Home:

24711 Calvert St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367