Joan Ann Culford Rien

Joan Ann Culford Rien, a Lab retiree, died Aug. 12. She was 76.

Born Oct. 27, 1932, in Livermore to the late Charlotte and Lloyd Culford, she graduated from Livermore High School with honors and went on to attend San Jose State University.

Her life-long passion was art and music. She became an accomplished painter and classical pianist and organist.

Rien was one of the first women hired as a technical illustrator and draftsman at the Lab. She retired after 15 years in 1978. From 1982 to 1995, she served as the bookkeeper for the Law Offices of Timothy B. Rien in Livermore.

In 1993, she moved to Oakdale, Calif. where she became active in the Oak Valley Art Society and was a featured organist and pianist at the Community United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed reading, playing bridge and the many friends she made and kept despite beating them at bridge.

Rien is survived by a sister, Marilyn Athenour of Pleasanton; sons Timothy B. Rien of Pleasanton and Toby L. Rien of Clovis; adopted sons, David J. Rien of Houston, Texas; Thomas M. Rien of Saratoga, and Richard R. Rien of Sacramento; nephews Karl Vargas of Oakdale and Thomas Athenour of Denver, Colo.; a niece, Ann Athenour Martin of Pleasanton; 10 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Aug. 21.

Donations may be made in Rien’s name to United Methodist Women or the music program at the Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale, CA 95361, or Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.