Joan Templeman, the spouse of Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has passed away at the age of 80.
The couple was married for 50 years and had two children, Sam and Holly. They also welcomed another daughter, Clare Sarah, in 1979, who tragically died just four days after her birth.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” he stated. “She was the most amazing mother and grandmother our children and grandchildren could have ever hoped for.
“Love you forever, Joan x.
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The cause of death was not disclosed.
Sam Branson, Joan’s son, also honored his mother by stating that she was “the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth.”
He further expressed, “I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum.”
The romantic journey of Sir Richard and Joan, which he frequently referred to as love at first sight, began in the 1970s when Joan was employed at a small bric-a-brac shop. As per the couple’s daughter, Holly, her father “visited the shop daily for months, purchasing items he neither wanted nor needed.”
In her blog post from 2018, Holly characterized her mother as “a stay-at-home mum who was (and still is) always there with a hug, inspiring words of wisdom, and a beautiful, welcoming smile.”
Sir Richard consistently seized every opportunity to express his deep affection for his wife. In celebration of their wedding anniversary five years prior, he remarked that he “fell for Joan almost from the moment I laid eyes on her.”
“Joan has always been a reliable source of wisdom and has significantly influenced some of my most favorable life choices,” he continued.
As she progressed in life, she became involved in philanthropy, supporting various charities, including those dedicated to premature births, following the tragic loss of their daughter who was born three months early.
In 2013, she and her husband committed to the Giving Pledge, vowing to donate the majority of their wealth during their lifetimes. After experiencing the loss of several homes over the years, they reflected that these events taught them that material possessions are not of true significance.
“Even the loss of photo albums and notebooks held little importance,” Sir Richard stated on behalf of the couple.
“What truly matters are family, friends, good health, and the fulfillment derived from making a positive impact.”
When she celebrated her 80th birthday this summer, Joan seemed to be in excellent health. At that time, Sir Richard shared a touching tribute that reminisced about their years spent together.
“I am grateful for your presence through every experience – the peaks, the valleys, and all those serene, fulfilling moments in between. These are the times I hold dearest with you; my love for you grows deeper with each passing year,” he expressed.
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