Joan Ellen Verlatti Resident of Brentwood Joan passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at home. She was born in San Francisco, California to Margaret and James Griffin on April 23, 1950. She was raised in San Francisco and graduated from St. Paul's High School. After getting married in 1978, Joan moved to Pleasant Hill to raise her three children. She recently moved to Brentwood. Joan was passionate about her family and her faith and most proud of her sons. Everyone that Joan met was greeted with instant warmth and love, she never met a stranger. Her 25 years of dedicated service to San Francisco Bay Area schools and continued volunteer service was indicative of her love of children and of community. Joan lived her life to its fullest, a legacy and example she leaves with all of her friends and family. She is predeceased by her parents, Margaret and James Griffin. Joan is survived by her husband, Mike Verlatti; her sons, Michael (Kelly) Verlatti, Mark (Melanie) Verlatti, and Kevin Verlatti; her granddaughter, Mia Verlatti; Sarah Griffin, who was like a granddaughter to her; her sisters, Carol Cousins, Sally Mayer, and Rosemary Griffin; and her brothers, Jim Griffin, Tom Griffin and Mark Griffin; and many nieces and nephews. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, Tuesday, July 21, at 1 p.m. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to ARF: Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, 800.567.1ARF or www.arf.net.