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Joanne Calvagna Obituary

Calvagna, Joanne F. 75, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on October 26, 2010, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born August 20, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. Joanne nurtured a life long passion for drama and was an avid devotee of the cinema. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and drama from the Catholic University of America. The depth of her cinematic knowledge was legendary as were her annual Academy Award parties. While in college, Joanne met Jim Calvagna, her devoted husband of fifty-two years. The happy couple came to Anaheim in 1961 and raised their five children. Joanne served her community with great distinction as a police dispatcher earning multiple commendations from the Buena Park Police Department. Despite her busy life, Joanne constantly devoted her time to her family and friends always freely giving her caring support and a sympathetic ear. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be incredibly missed. Joanne is survived by her husband, Jim; five children, Jeffrey (Annie), Judy (Richard) Steffy, John (Alida), Mary Clare (Bill) Reece and Jim (Ania); seven grandchildren, Katya, Alex, Vladimir, Erika, Alec, Joseph and David, and two brothers, John and Jim. Her vigil service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday October 30th, 2010 at Brown Colonial Mortuary, Santa Ana with viewing beginning at 1pm. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on November 1, 2010 at St. Anthony Claret Roman Catholic Church - 1450 La Palma Ave Anaheim, CA 92805. For directions please visit funeralinfo.com Brown Colonial Mortuary

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Published by Orange County Register on Oct. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Calvagna

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Evelyn Mollet

November 5, 2010

Judy,

You and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Lisa Barr

October 31, 2010

John and Family ~ My heart breaks for your loss. Joanne was an incredibly beautiful, smart, kind, and inspirational woman. She made a tremendous impact on my life as a dispatcher, but more import is how she taught me to be a better wife, mother and friend. Thank you for sharing her with so many of us who had the honor of workig with her at BPPD. May you and your family cherish your memories and feel the warmth of her love forever.

Lisa and Daryl Sanders

October 30, 2010

We want to extend our most heartfelt condolences for Joanne's family... We are very saddened to hear of her passing, She really was a very nice woman and a pleasure to work with. She will be missed... God Bless you.

October 30, 2010

What a lovely lady and the sweetest of smiles. I will always remember sitting across from her at dinner at Rod n' Reel one night and not being able to take my eyes off of her beautiful smile. She was a real lady and I'm so glad that I was able to know her

Tom & Ann Lucenti

October 30, 2010

We were saddened to hear of Joanne's passing, please accept our condolences. Joanne was a wonderful woman with a big heart and she was a fantastic dispatcher who kept a cool head when things got chaotic. She will be missed by many.

October 30, 2010

Jim and all you wonderful children. Stay strong and live the life she wanted you to when she was here. Family is everything. Love and light. Nancy Marshutz( Gillians mom)

Gillian Cilibrasi

October 30, 2010

Mary, Mr. C, John, Judy,Jim and family:

My prayers are with you and I wish I could be too. I have so many wonderful memories of Joanne and her ever calm, even presence. May peace be with you all as you face this week and all it brings.

Margaret Mueller

October 30, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Robin Warren-Busigo (aka Nugent)

October 30, 2010

My heart goes out to the family. She was a dear, dear lady, always with a smile and "heart" in her voice. She was always helpful to me when I worked in Records. I'm sure she will be missed.

Amy Johnson

October 30, 2010

Jim and family, my condolences for your loss and the pain that you are enduring.

It was so painful to hear of Joanne's passing........she was an amazing lady and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. May you rest in peace my dear friend...........blessed are those who knew her and loved her.

Tracy Schleker-Nolan

October 30, 2010

Joanne took me under her wing when I first began dispatching. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word. My condolences to your family.

Jason Parsons

October 30, 2010

Jim and family, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.

Joanne was a wonderful woman who I have known for many years. It saddens my heart to hear this news. Rest in peace Joanne.

Claude Harbert

October 30, 2010

Our lives are truly enriched by the wonderful people we have known...Joanne was truly one of these people. May Our Lord be with her and her family.

Hado Sanders-Harkins

October 29, 2010

Joanne was a wonderful person. She was always like a "mom" and gave some wonderful advice that has helped me to raise 2 really awesome human beings (my boys.) During the 10 years that I worked with her she also helped to raise me and set a fine example of a very balanced and dedicated wife and mother. She was really a great dispatcher and I will always have fond and wonderful memories. Thank you always!

October 29, 2010

Jim, we are very sorry for your loss. Joanne was always a joy to be around. She is now with the Lord and at peace.
David Woofter, BPPD retired

Sharon Reynolds

October 29, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathy. Joanne was a wonderful lady and co-worker. May she rest in peace.
Sharon Parsons Reynolds

RICHARD PENA

October 29, 2010

Joanne was always a good friend and a role model for us all. She will be truly missed, but I know our Lord has a special place for her in his house. God Bless you and your family

PTL/JOY
Rich "SARGE" Pena (BPPD)

October 29, 2010

Jim my sincere condolences to you and all of Joanne's entire family. May our Lord bless and keep her in his loving arms always. It was a privilege to know her and to have worked with her.
Dan Flanagan

Karl Loureiro

October 29, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences during this time of sorrow. Your Mom will be truly missed by many of us.

Erin Lembke

October 29, 2010

She was a true treasure, and I offer my sincere condolences to her lovely family.

October 29, 2010

Mary,

Your mom was a beautiful lady, and I am so thankful we had the privelege of meeting her. Our prayer for you and your family is that you will find joy in reflecting on the incredible life she lived and be thankful for the positive influence she had on each one of your lives. We also pray for strength as you grieve. We love you! John, Virginia, Meghan, and Anna

Marvin & Glenna Tuomala

October 29, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kim Maynard Carasso

October 29, 2010

John: I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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