Joan Daly Francis Memorial Service

August 26, 1932 – October 20, 2026

Joan Daly Francis, 94, died in the arms of Jesus at Castle Peak in Eagle on October 20, 2026. Guided by her Christian faith, our Joan touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and determined leadership. Known affectionately as Joanie, she was loved and admired by all who knew her in the Vail Valley. She and her husband, Tom, were early investors in Vail, building their first house near the center of Vail Village and later a home on a hilltop overlooking Pilgrim Downs.

Joan was born in Denver on August 26, 1932, to Thomas Daly and Elizabeth (Betty) Bratton Ashley. She was raised by Betty and her loving stepfather, Lee Ashley. She graduated from Kent Denver in 1950 and from Smith College in 1954.

Joan married her lifelong partner, Tom Francis, who preceded her in death shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary. Their life together was full of adventure and service to their church and community in the Vail Valley. Avid skiers, hikers, and tennis players, they were also world travelers. Joan particularly loved exploring the natural world in Kenya and Hawaii. After living part-time in Vail and Maui for 25 years, she lived her final years full-time in Arrowhead with the help of her nurse and devoted friend, Jamie Swift.

Joan shared her talents and blessings generously through many community and Christian organizations. She served as the first female Board President of Kent Denver School, as a member of the Board of Trustees of Trinity Anglican Seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, for 25 years, and as a sponsor of Bravo! Vail. She was an organizer and key contributor in building the Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center, and she and Tom were among the organizers and supporters of Vail’s Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration.

Joan is survived by her children, Lee Ashley Francis (Jan) of Charleston, South Carolina; Thomas Sanford “Sandy” Francis (Sanita) of Colorado Springs; and Deborah Francis Lemos (Gene) of Sacramento, California; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, Julie Francis Stretz (Jim) and Margot Francis Ladd (Jerry), and her nephews, Kenneth C. Francis (Nina) and Robert R. Francis.

A service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, with a reception to follow at a location to be announced. Interment of ashes will follow the next day, Sunday, November 8, at 3:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to:

Trinity Anglican Seminary, Colorado Scholarship Fund, 311 Eleventh St., Ambridge, PA 15003
Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center, Building Fund, c/o Transfiguration Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1000, Vail, CO 81632
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 2270, Vail, CO 81658