Joan Elizabeth Rich

Joan Elizabeth Swain Rich, age 91, of Fairfax, VA passed away peacefully, following a brief illness, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA. She was born July 27, 1933, in Alexandria, VA, the daughter of the late George O. and Kathryn E. (MacDonald) Swain. Joan graduated from Fairfax High School in 1951. She was a devoted Methodist her entire life. After graduating from high school, she worked briefly at the Pentagon. On November 3, 1951, Joan married James Max Rich, her husband of 51 years. Jim passed away in August 2003. Jim and Joan purchased land in Fairfax, VA where they built their house. Joan lived in her house for 73 years. Joan was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed planting her Daylilies. She was always willing to share her beautiful flowers with her neighbors, church friends and a local garden center. Joan was very active in her church (Oakton United Methodist Church) and taught Sunday school for a number of years. She also helped with the finances. In 1998, Joan worked with John Tate and Donna Grim, also from Oakton United Methodist Church, to help start the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna. She also worked as a facilitator for the Caregiver Support Group from the Shepherd’s Center. Joan and Jim have three surviving children: Sharon of Oakton, VA, Steve of Bethany Beach, DE and David of Stanwood, WA. Joan has one surviving brother, Brian “Biff” Swain (Mary) of Herndon, VA. Joan has five grandchildren: Ryan, Ashley, Rachel, Caylyn and Tyler. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by: three brothers, Michael, Roderick and Ralph Swain, and a sister, Sandra Brown. Joan’s family will receive friends on Saturday, July 19, 2025 for a visitation at Oakton United Methodist Church from 1:00 – 2:00, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 and a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Oakton Church is located at 2951 Chain Bridge Road in Oakton, VA 22124. Pastors Ashley Allen and Chan Suh will be conducting the service. Please notify Mike and Sharon Mulreany if you plan to attend the service. They can be reached at email address: mulreany@verizon.net. Interment will be in Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton, VA where her husband Jim is buried. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakton United Methodist Church at the address listed above or to the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia at 541 Marshall Rd SW in Vienna, VA 22180. Memories can be shared in the Memory book which will be available at the Oakton United Methodist Church during the Celebration of Life service.

Joan Elizabeth Rich

July 27, 1933 - June 27, 2025