Joanne Fraser

Joanne Steckley Fraser passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. Born on October 10, 1930, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Charles Steckley and Kathleen (Dapp) Steckley.

Joanne graduated from William Penn High School and continued her education at West Chester State Teachers College in Pennsylvania. She later attended Grace Downs Modeling and Air Career School in New York City, where she began a remarkable and adventurous chapter of her life. Joanne became a stewardess with Eastern Airlines in New York City and was selected to serve on special White House charter flights during President Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower’s administration, transporting members of the press, Secret Service personnel, Life magazine staff, and photographers across the United States.

Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Joanne studied Medical Terminology at the University of Maine. In 1956, she married George Fraser, and together they built a loving family and shared many years of marriage.

Joanne was a devoted mother, grandmother, and volunteer who gave generously of her time and heart. She volunteered for many years at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, Maine, and later at The Villages Central Florida Health Alliance Hospital. Eventually, she moved to Cape Charles, Virginia, where she was happiest.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Fraser in 2019, stepfather, John Swinn, and a sister, Anna Cook. Joanne is survived by her children; son, Louis and wife Deborah, Brewer, ME; daughters, Barbara Fraser, Lewiston, ME; Linda and husband Terri Mitchell, Garland, ME; Patricia and husband Michael Hall, Cape Charles, VA; and Catherine and husband Dan Randall, Cape Charles, VA, as well as special nephew, Larry Cook, Harrisburg, PA; and numerous grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will cherish her memory and the remarkable life she lived.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, and the staff at Lake Taylor Hospital, for their excellent care and compassion.

A word from Joanne: “To those caregivers who unselfishly gave their time and relentless love, I thank you and what would I have done without you, so God bless you. I love each of my five children the same and will be waiting to be together someday.”

Joanne will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, dedication to family, service to others, and the grace and kindness she showed throughout her long and meaningful life.

Additional information regarding services will be provided at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent online at laketaylor.org, or by mail, to the Auxiliary at Lake Taylor Care, 1309 Kempsville Rd. Norfolk, VA 23502.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. Doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.