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Joan BIEGEL Obituary

BIEGEL, Joan Annette 65, of La Quinta, CA died October 12, 2010 in La Quinta, CA. She was born December 6, 1944 to William Biegel and Bernice (MacCrindle) Biegel in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. She was the Director of Recreation & Community Services for the City of Lakewood prior to retiring in December 2006. She was with the City of Lakewood for 19 years, City of Cerritos for 6 « years, City of Pomona for 6 years and LA County for 9 « years. Joan was a member of California Park & Recreation Society for 44 years, acting as President for the 1990-1991 term, The Women and Leisure Services, Soroptimist International in both La Quinta-Coachella Valley and Lakewood/Long Beach serving as President in both, La Quinta Park & Recreation Commission, Garden Club of the Desert, Woman Leaders Forum, Served as President of Greater Lakewood Heart Association and the Lakewood Meals on Wheels. She served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Coachella Valley, Community Family Guidance Center, the Long Beach Council of Campfire and Su Casa Family Crisis Support Center and countless other organizations.
She enjoyed travel, cooking, golf, wine tasting, entertaining, shopping, public service and volunteerism. She is survived by her partner James Burchit, La Quinta, CA; Her goddaughter Joyann Reed and her husband Phillip Canipe and daughter Katherine Canipe, Upland, CA; Her lifelong friend, Kathy Joy, Edmonds, WA; Her best friends Sandra and Gene Davis, La Quinta, CA, and the entire Molino family and many, many other friends. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM on October 15, 2010 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA. Burial will be at 11:30AM on October 16, 2010 at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park, 10621 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA with FitzHenry-Wiefels Palm Desert, CA in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that donations be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 120, Palm Desert, CA 92211. Phone: 760-836-1160.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan BIEGEL

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Joyce Foy

October 23, 2010

Joan, as a Soroptimist sister from Dallas, I wanted to extend my condolences to your friends and family and to all of those whose lives you touched, including mine -- as you transition into God's loving arms. Be at peace, my Sister.

Gloria Kappe

October 19, 2010

Joan and I shared some wonderful times--Su Casa Board, my first charity golf tournament (she laughed when I went to put a tee down after I was already on the fairway and made sure other friends knew and would be sure to tease me), lunches--when we could squeeze in the time. She was at my wedding to Sherman. One of the most caring and fun-loving people I have ever known. We talked a lot about her "girls"--the beagles. I was deeply disappointed not to be able to attend her services. Joan will be one of the people I will hold dear for as long as I am able. My condolences to all of you. Joyann, thank you so much for your updates. I think we looked forward to the encouraging ones and dreaded the last ones. My prayers are with all of you as all of us move on in life without one of our shining stars.

October 16, 2010

Jim, and others in Joan's family,
There wasn't enough time with Joan, but I feel blessed by the days we did share. Joan was warm, lively, fun, smart--an extraordinary woman who accomplished much and touched many lives. My prayers are with you, that you are finding comfort.
Adelle Korn (Ferndale, WA)

Bernie - Mike

October 14, 2010

Tomorrow we will be gathered to celebrate the life of our beloved Joan Biegel. We will be gathered in greatfulness and with a sense of peace and harmony.

And, as we will reflect on life in general, we will realize how complex and yet simple life can be. Let's concentrate on the simplicity aspect.

With that thought in mind, let's simply say "Thank You." Thank you kind and wonderful Joan, for being part of our lives and allowing us to be a part of yours. Thank you for being such an incredible and never to be forgotten, partner, family menmber, close friend, mentor and human being. Many thanks for sharing those incredible skills with all of us. We apreciated your humanitarianism, your innovative ways and your very special people skills. Thank you for the way you embraced anyone and everyone, no matter who or what they were.


When we leve tomorrow's ceremony, let's know that the celebration will be an on-going one.

We are reminded of an old Native-American saying. It states, "You are never gone until you are forgotten."

JOAN BIEGEL, OUR DEAR FRIEND, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!!!!!!!!

Michelle & Casey Stewart

October 14, 2010

Jim, Sandy, and family,
Casey and I want you to know that we are praying for you, and we're spending hours laughing through our tears at all of the wonderful memories we shared with Joan. Her smile, and laughter infectious! We'll never forget her coming out to SIlVER ROCK for Casey's 2nd golf tournament benefiting the MFA. Always lending her time, creativity, leadership to help make the world a better place. God has taken an angel home! We're better for knowing Joan, and her legacy will live on! Our prayers for your comfort are daily, and our arms are stretched out wide for many hugs!
God bless you all!

Love,

Michelle and Casey Stewart

Rev. Patty Spicer

October 14, 2010

Dear Jim and family,
We are out of town and will be unable to be with you for Joanie's celebration of life service. We know that you are all surrounded with loving support and that Joanie is at peace and all right now. We will miss her smile and zest for life; and we will always admire her courageous battle to overcome this health challenge. She made a huge difference in so many lives and will be embedded in many hearts always. She is certainly in ours. We send you love and hugs,
Rev. Patty and Larry Spicer

Katie Miller

October 14, 2010

The World has lost a very special, caring woman but Heaven has gained a wonderful Angel. I feel blessed to have know Joan since 1989 and called her my friend. "Some people come into our lives and quickly go, some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never quite the same." Joan was one of those special people and my heart is only one of many where she left her beautiful footprints.
Our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones and numerous friends. Joan will never be forgotten.
Jay, Katie, Kelly & Jeff Miller

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