Joan Elizabeth Luce Bodden

May 22, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Joan Elizabeth Luce Bodden, 71, of Semur-en-Auxois, France and Charlotte, NC passed peacefully on Monday, May 22, 2023.

Joan was born on June 25, 1951, in Palo Alto, California to the late Charles Banks Luce and Roberta Jane Hobson Luce.  As a young girl she enjoyed riding her Palomino ‘Tiki’ and surfing the California waves.  Joan graduated High School in Schenectady, NY and then attended Pfeiffer University where she met her beloved husband of fifty years, David Paul Bodden.  She finished her degree at Emory University in Atlanta, GA earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  Joan worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse first in Charlotte at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, and later in Coral Gables, Florida.  After moving to Summerville, SC to raise her two young daughters she briefly worked in research at the Medical University of South Carolina. 

Later in life she moved back to Charlotte, NC to be closer to her grandchildren and enjoyed splitting her time between the United States and France.  Joan had a curious mind and an adventurous spirit.  In 2015, Joan and David completed the Camino de Santiago Pilgramage.  Starting from their home in Semur-en-Auxois, France they backpacked over 1800 km to the Cathedral of Santiago in Compostela, Spain.

Joan was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, friend and caregiver.  She was also an athlete and consummate waterman.  Joan was a competitive tennis player and won a SC State Championship.  She loved to swim, hike, bike, camp, boat, travel, and even dabbled in martial arts!  Joan lived her life on kairos time.  She found and created beauty everywhere she went.  She was an artist, epicurean, avid gardener, and voracious reader.  Joan possessed an uncommonly kind, genuine, and patient nature that was unconditional and she always enjoyed finding ways to give back.  While living in Summerville, SC she was on the Vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Board for Habitat for Humanity.  During her time volunteering for Habitat, she was responsible for the development and building of the first community of Habitat Homes in the area.  In Charlotte she continued this work through the Urban Ministry/Roof Above. 

Though her memory will be eternal, she will be greatly missed by all she touched.  She is survived by her loving husband, David Paul Bodden; her two daughters, Christine Elise Bodden Dryfuss and her husband, Christopher John Dryfuss of Raleigh, NC and Juliette May Bodden Lane and her husband, Collin Harrison Lane of Charlotte, NC; her three grandchildren, Elisabeth Harless Lane, Collin Harrison Lane Jr, and Frieda Marquette Dryfuss.

The family requests you join them for a celebration of her life from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 834 Ardsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Joan to Roof Above, PO Box 31335, Charlotte, NC 28231 (https://www.roofabove.org/donate/) or Atrium Health Foundation, Attn: Levine Cancer Institute Advancement Fund, 208 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 (https://www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/get-involved/donate/) or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 (https://www.lls.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Dee Dee Clark

    So sorry for your loss but in awe of a life well lived. Prayers and hugs to you all.

    Short URL:
  • Mark and Dorothy Roessler

    We were so sad to hear the world has lost this truly good person. Joan and Dave were Summerville, SC neighbors who shared a connection to Europe and the west coast as we did. Joan was a beautiful soul who brought out the best in everyone. Her kindness and intellect will be missed every day. So sorry for your loss, Dave, Juliette and Christine.

    Short URL:
  • Bill Trawick

    Joan's father, Charlie Luce, lived at Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community in Charleston, SC, where I was CEO. I knew Joan as his devoted daughter, I am sure because her father was such a very special man, exceedingly kind and generous. On Joan's regular visits to the Community to visit her father, she was always so much like her father, warm and outgoing, treating staff and residents alike with such kindness that it made her unforgettable. When I saw her obituary, I was saddened that such a lovely fellow human being has left this world too soon when we need them more than ever. I send my condolences to her family. What a fine family legacy you have been left.

    Short URL:
  • Terri Blankenship

    I first met Christine‘s parents when she lived across the street from me in Dilworth. I always saw them as a great example of family and how we should love and care for each other.
    Her mother, Joan, was a lovely woman with quiet strength. She appreciated the beauty found in words of literature, a walk outdoors, the call of a bluebird, the brilliance of a yellow flower. She cared about the less fortunate and about the right thing to do. Joan made the world a better place.
    May God wrap his loving arms around Christine, her father, David, her sister, Juliette and their families and provide them with comfort and peace.
    May Joan’s spirit live on in them and in everyone that was fortunate enough to cross her path.
    ✨???

    Short URL:
  • Betsy Finkbine Shannon

    Mr. Bodden, Christine, Juliette and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Joan. She was always so sweet and calm anytime I was around. I remember the days of Ashborough, Ashborough East and Huntington Farm. She was definitely a perfectionist and always put together! She will definitely be missed. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Short URL:
  • Stephen R Wilson

    Joan was indeed a caring person. David and Joan helped me settle when I was transferred to Miami and also here in Charleston. I have nice memories of our time in Miami and also here when I first moved to Charleston.
    My condolences to David, Christine, and Juliette. Joan will be missed by all.

    Short URL:
  • Debbie Lindsay (formerly McLoud)

    I’m so sorry to read of Joan’s death. I was Joan and David’s neighbor on Kimberwicke Drive in Summerville. Joan was a very kind person and did so much for others. I am thinking of you all.

    Debbie Lindsay (formerly McLoud)

    Short URL:
  • Jim Woods

    Very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I served on the Vestry with her at St. Paul’s church in Summerville SC. She was a kind hearted soul. Her family is in my prayers.

    Short URL: