Joan Large Placanica, 88, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and Thomas Liakos in Carrollton, Virginia on Saturday, March 3, 2018. She was the only child born to her parents, James and Lily Large in Warrington, Lancashire, England. After attending school she graduated from business college and was employed at Josef Crosfield and Sons, Lever Brothers. She became a British War Bride after meeting and marrying Louis Placanica, USAF in 1952. They lived in London then transferred to the United States, living in Florida and Louisiana. Joan worked in the insurance business and was a member and officer of the National Association of Insurance Women of Shreveport for many years. After moving to Hampton, Virginia to be near Lou's family, they opened the Blue Marlin Restaurant in Buckroe.

Later Joan began employment with Bowen McMurran Insurance Agency and Henderson & Phillips Insurance Agency as a Certified Professional Insurance Woman.   She was a member of the National Association of Insurance Women International and Peninsula Association of Insurance Women, Inc. She worked well into her 70's before she retired.

Joan loved to travel and prided herself on her knowledge of all of the United States, traveling to as many of them as she could. She enjoyed a few cruises, returned to England twice and also traveled to Germany.

She was a true friend to many in every sense of the word, always there to share a laugh, wipe a tear, give advice or just listen. She selflessly gave and helped others however she could and always had the most beautiful smile. Joan loved dancing, singing, English sweets, knitting, reading a good mystery, and Broadway musicals. Most importantly, Joan loved spending time with her family. She was the most loving mother, grandmother, and Gi-Gi. Even up until the end, she was surrounded by love, laughter and her family sharing stories of the happy memories that she helped create.

After Hazel moved to Hampton, she and Joan became more like sisters and many referred to them as The Golden Girls. They proudly became U.S. Citizens together in 1973, being among the first group to be sworn in at Williamsburg, Virginia. Hazel and Joan were members of the Daughters of the British Empire and the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association, where they met and made many devoted friends.

Hazel passed away on February 22, 2018. Those of you who knew them well could probably hear Hazel saying, "Come on Joan! Hurry up! What are you waiting for?" And then picture her smiling and rolling her eyes! Apparently Joan had some unfinished business because she was not far behind, 9 days to be exact.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Roxanne Liakos (Thomas); three grandchildren Jennifer Pendleton (Andy), Nicholas Liakos (Katie), Caitlin Liakos; four great-grandchildren Thomas, Joseph, Kathryn, Olivia; and her former husband Lou Placanica (Ann).

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Visiting Physicians and Intrepid Hospice.