Joan

November 26, 1936 ~ October 4, 2022

Born in: Los Angeles, California
Resided in: Redondo Beach, California

Joan, an 85-year resident of Redondo Beach, peacefully passed away in her home surrounded by her family on October 4, 2022.  Joan is survived by her loving daughters, Cathe Rodriguez of Redondo Beach, Virginia Sanchez (Willie) of Greenville, Illinois, and Darlene Gomez of Redondo Beach, sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, her sisters Dolores Valencia, and Della Anaya of Redondo Beach.  Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Gilbert, and her son Gilbert Jr., her parents, Virginia Ortiz and John Garcia-Suarez, sister Rachel Serna and granddaughter Myka Sanchez.

Joan was deeply devoted to her faith, family, and friends.  She enjoyed hosting the family’s Christmas Eve celebration, a tradition at her home since the mid 70’s along with planning family camp outs and picnics.

Joan worked for Garrett Air Research (Allied Signal, Honeywell) for 37 years.  Joan’s interests were water aerobics, walking, and camping with her husband and camping groups.  After retiring her love for traveling began.  She went on pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land along with a cruise to Alaska with her sisters.  She also enjoyed her adventures with the Sunshine Senior Club of Wilmington, attending meetings, dances and trips with her sisters, daughters, and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Building Fund.

Services

Service: October 29, 2022 10:30 am

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
320 Massey Street
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

310-372-7077

Celebration of Life: October 29, 2022 12:00 pm

Elks Lodge
315 Esplanade
Redondo Beach, California 90277

(310) 372-8488

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Guestbook

  1. candle 4Cousin Joan dispelled the question of “Is there a God?” Yes, and He showed himself all the time in Cousin Joan’s face. She was the one person I knew in life that represented God more than anyone else through her love, kindness and serenity. I will miss her but I know that this is only a temporary separation. She lives on in our desire to be as at peace in life as she was. Truly a Goddess among mortals. All our love to Cathe, Genie, Darlene and Joan’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. We love you Joan and we thank you for your love for us.
    Cousins Marguerite Sturges, and Cousins Michael Sturges and Dennis Coppens.

    • Cathe, Genie and Darlene, it was a lovely service and tribute to your mother who was loved by all. Thank you for allowing us be to involved. There will never be another like Cousin Joan. Much love to all of you. Cousin Mike.

  2. Our condolences to the Gomez family. Joan was a kind and wonderful woman. The family and her community has lost one of it’s brightest lights. May her memory be a blessing.

    Diane Brower – Lisa McMullen and family

  3. candle 1Thia Joan was a very kind person, she was very generous to me and my siblings when we were growing up. I loved her company and she was so positive. I will miss her dearly.

  4. candle 7Reading all the commits, everyone used the same word I wanted to use- kindness – she was always so kind to me. Her home as always welcoming and there was always something wonderful on the stove. I will cherish the time I spent with her having coffee and chatting about her life as a young girl. I will miss doing sunrise services on Easter Sunday together. She will always be in my heart whereever I am

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