JOAN LORD PAPY, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, in her home, surrounded by family and loved ones. Joan was born in Key West, Florida on September 20th, 1931 to Raymond R. Lord and Mamie Borden Lord. She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh R. Papy and daughter, Darlene Bang (Leif Otto Bang).

Joan loved her community and was a member of Eastern Star, Women’s Club, The Garden Club and the Key West Rotary for many years. She served as Mother Advisor to Rainbow Girls and on the Board of the Monroe County Mosquito Control. She worked as a Civil Service Secretary in the Navy Dispensary on the old Key West Navy Base in downtown Key West, and later owned and ran The Old Island Trading Post, Island Imports, and Joan’s Laundry all while dabbling in real estate.

She loved listening to Bobby Nesbitt and travelling the world, especially on cruises. She zip-lined in Belize and Turkey, she watched the icebergs calving in Alaska, toured Italy, Scandinavia, the Baltic, China and was the first American civilian to tour Kronstadt, a Russian military base in St. Petersburg. She traversed the Kiel Canal in Germany and dogsled to the North Pole with her sister, Betty, and brother-in-law, Ed Toppino. She truly lived life to the fullest, taking full advantage of her time here on earth. We should all be so lucky.

Joan is survived by her daughter Karen (David Horan) granddaughter, Amanda (Rick Rubin), Darren (Jessica Horan), Alison Bang, Leif Bang, Kiki Bang (Remi Solbakken) and great-grandchildren Sienna Rubin, Sydnie Rubin, Amore Horan, Audrey Horan, Monroe Horan, Stella Bang and Max Bang.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to her caregivers, Aldene Wilson-Thompson and Annette McCoy for their wonderful care for Joan. They made every day “spa” day styling her hair, moisturizing her face and doing her nails. Their love for her during her final days truly defines what “caregivers” are: blessings.

The family would also like to thank Amedisys staff and nurses Kate and Theresa for their compassion and support during her final days.

The family will receive family and friends at The Key West Yacht Club for a Celebration of Life following the service.

In lieu of flowers our family invites you to honor Joan’s memory by making a donation to the Monroe County School District, designate your school preference and help provide school lunches for students in need. Knowing that children are being cared for and nourished would be a beautiful tribute to the compassionate and caring person Joan was.