Our champion has passed away.

Joan M. Sitz of Lansdowne, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2014. She will be carried in the hearts of many, including her husband Lt. Colonel Werner C. Sitz, U.S. Air Force, retired, her sister, Jean Canning, her daughters Stacey Nunz, Candace Beason, Paige O'Keeffe, Michelle Pyle Karen Katilie, Kim Neiss and son Steve Sitz, sons- and daughter-in-law, 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her son Steve Beason.

Born November 3, 1928 in San Diego, California, Joan attended San Diego State University, married and raised 4 children in Southern California. In the mid 1970s, Joan moved to the Washington, DC metropolitan area where she managed a number of law firms. In 1980 she met the love of her life, Werner Sitz. Joan and Werner were married at Fort Myers Chapel, Arlington, Virginia in September, 1983 and subsequently spent 10 years living in Saudi Arabia and traveling extensively before returning to Virginia in 1984 to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Joan is known for her warm and welcoming spirit, a gracious woman who engaged others and made them feel truly special. As her daughter Candace stated, "She is our champion, always supporting us in our dreams, giving us space to grow and accepting us for who we are." Joan loved each of us unconditionally, and in return she is loved fully and with deep gratitude for the unique and very special woman that she was. We thank God for the gift of Joan in our lives.

The family of Joan Sitz invites everyone to gather at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 on Saturday, June 7, 2014 between the hours of 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm where her memories will be shared. A funeral service will be held (at a date to be announced) at the Fort Myer Chapel in Arlington National Cemetery.

Joan was a lovely woman whose memories will be cherished.