Joanne D'Ambrosia Obituary

Joanne D'Ambrosia
July 20, 1953 - July 26, 2014
"A True San Jose Girl"
Joanne D'Ambrosia passed away peacefully at O'Connor Hospital in the presence of her loving husband of 35 years, Joe Amable, and daughter, Jody. Joanne was a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Joanne grew up in the Rose Garden district of San Jose, and attended Cory and Trace elementary schools, Herbert Hoover Middle School, and Abraham Lincoln High School. She earned her B.A. in Political Science at San Jose State University in 1976, and completed her Master's in Public Administration in the early '90s.
The majority of Joanne's professional career was in city government. In 1980, she started working for the City of Sunnyvale, and was hired by the City of Saratoga in 1989. In 1991, Joanne took a job with the City of Campbell, where she was employed in the Public Works department for 20 years.
Known to friends and family as "J.D.," Joanne loved music, movies and travel. A fan of the Beatles, Willie Nelson and Neil Young, Joanne and her BFF, Gail Mitchell, attended The Beatles' concert at the Cow Palace in 1964, and even got a glimpse of John Lennon as he passed by them on the road. Among her favorite travel destinations with her husband and daughter were New Orleans, New England, Chicago and Tennessee.
Joanne was a warm and generous person who always put others before herself. A passionate and determined person, Joanne loved to love others and did not tolerate things such as racism, hate or bigotry. A devoted mother, Joanne spent many hours supporting Jody as a "costume mom," making many costumes for the performing arts department at Del Mar High School during the 2002-2004 school years.
Joanne will be dearly missed by many family members and friends who loved her.
Private funeral services will be held, and a celebration of Joanne's life is pending.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern California branch of the National MS Society or to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Aug. 3, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne D'Ambrosia

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9 Entries

Karen Hackett

March 27, 2020

I was just thinking about the old Golden State Title days and remember Joanne very affectionately from that time. She was fresh out of State and so intelligent and wonderful. At that time she was a big Rod Stewart fan. I remember her very fondly. After leaving to care for my new baby I decided to stay home and do licensed child care. She called me to have me care for her new daughter, but unfortunately I was full at the time. Although I hadn't spoken to her for years, I was thinking about her today and discovered that she had passed on years ago. I feel so badly for her husband and daughter. I remember her talking about being an only child and how close she was with her folks. I know that Jody and Joe are still missing her and I just wanted them to know that I will never forget how great she was. She lives on in many fond memories.

Kevin Mallon

September 28, 2014

My condolences to her family and all whose lives she touched. I knew her from Lincoln and always thought she exemplified grace and style.

Barbara Cancilla-Housel

September 27, 2014

I am sadden to hear of Joanne's passing. Graduated from Lincoln together. During high school days we always had fun together. Joanne was always joyful and brought light into a room. Prayers and hugs to her family. May she always live in your hearts and precious memories. Malama Ko Aloha (keep your love)

Susan Morgado-gray

September 23, 2014

I enjoyed working with Joanne at the City of Campbell. We had many nice conversations while I was making copies. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Ken, Jane, Greg & Caitie Reiter

August 3, 2014

Joanne was one in a million. The years we spent working together for the performing arts at Del Mar are some of my fondest memories. The Reiter Family sends you our deepest sympathy.

Anthony & Margueritte Amable

August 3, 2014

Tony and I are both saddened by the loss of such a beautiful person - inside and out. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joey and their children.

Gloria Garnica

August 2, 2014

I will never forget your Mom. We spent countless hours altering costumes for Cinderella. That was crazy. But your Mom was always up beat and was good company

Joan Kilpatrick Bryant

August 2, 2014

I remember Joanne as a fun, vivacious girl. We met when we were 4 in Janey Garrels' dance studio and then went to Cory, Trace, and Hoover Jr High together. I moved away from San Jose when I was 12 so, unfortunately, didn't have much contact with her after that. But I am grateful for the part she played in my early life. And I know I am better for having her for the friend.

August 2, 2014

My heart is breaking as our family mourns Joanne's passing. It breaks because those of us left here on earth will miss her so dearly, but there is peace in knowing that Joanne is no longer constrained by her body, and that she is at rest from her long struggle. Rest in peace, my dear sister-in-law. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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