1933
2010
Joan (Joni) Mannix Neckerman passed suddenly on June 4, 2010 in Camarillo from kidney failure and related complications.
Joni was born in Los Angeles in 1933 and grew up in Eagle Rock where she was senior class historian at the local high school. She graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Journalism, was Daily Trojan women's editor and became a byline writer for the Los Angeles Examiner and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In later years she was a technical editor/writer for PRC and other Ventura County firms.
She moved to Camarillo in 1983 and later resided in Leisure Village, where she was active in Senior Active Singles and other activities. A dedicated swimmer who loved our California sunshine, she courageously trained herself to return to swimming following various health setbacks. Joni was beloved by her friends for her great sense of humor, her uncanny ability to lead them to the best local shopping sales and her interest in whatever was important to them at the time.
Joni is survived by her son, Lt Col Mike Neckerman, USAF stationed in Tucson, who visited often; her sister, Pat Calhoun of Littleton, Colo.; and her cat David. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, J. Glenn Neckerman.
At her request, there will be no formal services. Cremation is planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or a favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Joni's Lunch Bunch .
Pat Ehret
June 3, 2024
After all these years, I still find myself thinking about Joni and the fun times that we had together down through the years, beginning when we worked together at Advanced Technology in Camarillo. I miss her company, her interest in what was happening with her friends, and her great sense of humor. I'm very grateful to have had Joni in my life.
Laurie Lindsey
June 16, 2022
I still think of Joni often and miss her so much. Of all my lifetime friendships, Joni was my all time favorite. Deep gratitude to have had her in my life!
Michael Neckerman
June 3, 2020
Hugs and love to mom and everybody who may read this. :)
February 1, 2011
Joni and I grew up in Eagle Rock and our fathers worked together on the L.A. Fire Dept. We became close friends at Glendale College and have stayed in touch. I am saddened by this news and will miss her chatty cards and photos at Christmas. She was a hero of mine - my daughter's middle name, in fact, is Joan.
Barbara Packard, Orangevale, CA
B. J. and Al Hoff
December 17, 2010
All the guest book entries have certainly expressed what a joyful and unique person Joni was and how lucky we all are to have had her in our lives. But people like Joni don't really leave us--they live forever in our hearts and minds. Thanks for taking such good care of her, Mike.
Laurel Rudd
July 8, 2010
Dear Mike
We were so sad to hear of Joni's passing.Joni was so proud of you; and you were the "light" of her life.Your devotion to her was obviousin everything she relayed. I have many happy memories of special times in the sorority,and Chris and I recall many joyous and fun occasionsthrough-out the years following. Our thoughts are with you and yours.
Laurel Bump Rudd
Alana Hansen
July 6, 2010
I first knew Joni at Camp Fire Girls Camp Yalani when we were little girls. We then became AOPi Sorority sisters at USC. We kept in touch all these years and via e-mail most recently. I am heart broken to read only tonight about her sudden passing. Both Jack and I loved her dearly. Mike, we share your loss
Alana Packer Hansen
Michael Neckerman
June 22, 2010
Thank you all so much for the wonderful words -- mother cherished you more than you know. Please encourage other mutual friends to consider reading and signing this memorable guest book if ever able. I will respond individually to these entries and sympathy cards once things settle a bit more. If you haven’t seen it already, please also enjoy photos posted at...
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/Joni/Homepage.aspx
...where I hope to post more pictures after I have a chance to scan some treasures I’ve rediscovered here in her home. I’m taking David back to Arizona and hope to keep & lease this pleasant house. Joni encountered physical challenges earlier than expected and passed too soon, but she made the most of her time here and would wish we do too. I’ll forever miss her. Peace.
Pat Ehret
June 16, 2010
As you can see here, Mike, your mother lives on in the hearts and memories of those who knew her. I will think of her whenever I see a white cat, a tropical motif, a Maxine card, or a seasonal yard sign; whenever I come across a bargain, especially on swimsuits or a good coupon, particularly one for a hearty breakfast; and whenever I experience a sunny day.
I will dearly miss Joni’s sense of humor, her interest in diverse topics, her concern for others, and her presence at Friday lunch. Know that she was very proud of you and that your frequent visits were the highlight of her life (and the envy of her friends!). Please keep us apprised of what her son is up to in the future……
I want to add a note to Joni’s sister, Pat. Joni and I have been through a lot of ups and downs together. The only time I ever saw tears in her eyes was when she spoke of your health challenges, Pat. You were always in her thoughts.
Laurie Lindswy
June 16, 2010
Joni was my "pool-mate" for six years and the light-of-my life. I have been enjoying e-mail with her since I moved. Joni has inspired me to return to the Village and I could hardly wait to be back and enjoy being close to her.
We talked about almost everything in the world...a delight in every way...and so many hearty laughs.
I am devasted by the news and will miss her more than I can say!
Mike, she shared so much about you and she was so proud of you. You are the best son a mother could ever have. She felt loved and safe and fulfilled by who you are.
Yes, she is one-in-a-million! Her memory will stay with me forever. She has been a gift to all that knew her.
My heartfelt feelings to you at this difficult time!
June 14, 2010
Dear Mike, I an sorry to hear about Joni's passing. We were AOPi sisters at USC. Joni always had a cheerful smile and a good friend. The last time I saw her was at Virginia Barhouse Saidy's funeral in Hollywood several years ago. She still had her wonderful smile. We will all miss her God bless her and her family. Love, Pat Baker Ellico
Zelda Greentree
June 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patricia Mannix Calhoun
June 13, 2010
I have lost a treasure - I will miss you "sis"!
Marci Calhoun-Holland
June 13, 2010
Ah, Aunt Joni - I will never forget the day you opened you home for me while traveling unannounced through California found me ill and in desperate need of sleep.
I love that you were a working woman, paving the road for the next generation. I also loved your artistic sense and in that found funNESS (just a great way to describe you).
Joni, it is clear you had tons of friends who will miss you. What a special gift you were for us.
I heard a great phrase when I was dealing with loss - "Death is hardest for the survivors"- how true that is. We are here for ya, Mike. We are just a phone call away.
June 12, 2010
Dear Mike. Our friendship has lasted over 40years, from the old Somerset days..we were thrilled with her when you came along. I am so glad we kept in touch and will always remember her as the neat and funny lady she was, but most of all she was a proud mom. Sincerely, Polly Weishaar Mercer Island, Washington.
Lynne Nuibe
June 12, 2010
Dear Mike,
I worked with your mom at CyberOptions. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was excellent at her job. Her editing made me a better writer and just getting to know her made me a better person.
Rory McLeod
June 12, 2010
Mike
Joni was a lady of incredible intelligence, wit and deviously articulate, it was fun bantering with her and she always had a positive approach. I have such fond memories of the time spent together in Scotland and California where I also met your Dad (a great character). This was horrible news for me, I know she was ill and fighting but I had imagined that with her indomitable spirit she would go on for ever. I much loved and respected her and sadly another light has gone from the world. Mike, she was really proud of you and both she and your dad live on through you - make her prouder and be strong.
Much Love from Rory and Richa.
June 11, 2010
"Dear Mike, Joni was a wonderful person and friend. I am so glad that Steve & I saw you last year. She was like a second mom to Steve & Joe.Plus she was able to keep them in line easier than I could. I feel a great loss. I will miss her. To thank we were able to stay in touch since 1971! We will stay in touch. Take care. Your friend, Darlene Taylor, Sun City, CA
Cecilia Gonzales
June 10, 2010
Aloha Mike: It was a pleasure, not a job to take care of your Mom on the weekends. I will miss her smile and her determination! She was a real Lady, someone I looked up to and admired for her courage. I will miss her very much. Take care. Your friend, Cece
Connie Martinez
June 10, 2010
I have been Joni"s caregiver for 4 years and have become very close to her. She was a wonderful lady with a big heart. I will remember her forever.
Tish Oliver
June 10, 2010
Joni was always a part of our family. She was at my home for all birthday parties, and special events. Her smile will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences from Tish and Family
Nancy Yankura
June 10, 2010
Dear Mike,
Thinking of you at this sad time. Joni and I were AOPi roommates those many years ago and have stayed in touch even though I have been in New Mexico for the last 5 years. I will miss her wit and friendship. Rest in peace, Joni. Love and roses, Nancy
Jan Edgar Tomeo
June 10, 2010
Dear Mike,
You were the light of your dear mom's life. You made her feel so loved, fulfilled as a mother and safe! How proud she was of your many accomplishments and thrilled that you plan to continue your studies at USC.
I am thankful that I was able to spend a couple of days recently with your mom, my dearest friend. That visit took place just nine days before she left us. We didn't know it would be our last time together, but touched upon that subject and held each other close when saying "goodbye." Your mom's laughter, wonderful wit, way with words, wisdom and smile will always remain in my heart. I loved her deeply and will miss her. Most of all, I will remember and be inspired by her great courage and your constant tender care of her.
My love to you Mike during this difficult time and always.
Mary Ryan Indenbaum
June 10, 2010
Dear Mike, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Joni. I will always remember her. She was my Big Sister in AOPi and although we saw each other infrequently after graduation, her dry wit and her enthusiasm for the AOPi production at USC Songfest will always stand out in my memory.
Stephen Calhoun
June 10, 2010
Dear Mike,
I wish I was able to have spent more time getting to know you and Joni. The thanksgiving we spent together was great fun all those years ago. Please except my deepest condolences in your loss. Having recently lost my father I understand the pain of losing a parent. Continue to fly high in her honor and in your chosen profession.
Sincerely, Your cousin Stephen Mannix Calhoun
Janet Tandy
June 10, 2010
My condolences to Mike and all her family and friends.
Roses
Janet K. Tandy
Santa Rosa, CA
Marjorie McIntosh
June 10, 2010
Mike: Your Mom and I became great friends in Mission Viejo when we were both raising 'little' boys. We spent quite a lot of time together working at Leisure World and swimming. She was proud of you and a dear friend to me.
Marjorie McIntosh (Hemet,CA)
JoAnne Wallis
June 9, 2010
Dear Mike -
We were so surprised and saddened to hear of Joni's sudden passing. I've always enjoyed her sense of humor and admired her ability to play with words. Joni would get this sparkle in her eyes just before making some witty remark ... then light up with her beaming smile when we "got it." Our Friday lunches won't be the same without your mom brightening the room. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time of loss.
Linda Locke
June 9, 2010
Dear Mike,
Your mom was one in a million. She always lit up the room with her smile and her sense of adventure and fun. It was a pleasure to work with her at Advanced Technology and CyberOptions and to be her friend all these years. I will miss her terribly and will always keep her memory in my heart. The Lunch Bunch just will not be the same without her.
My love and condolences to you at this difficult time.
Linda Easter
June 9, 2010
Dear Mike --
We were so shocked and sorry to hear about Joni. She always was such a lively lady, full of good shopping tips and interesting ideas. She treasured you above all else and was so proud of your many accomplishments. I particularly remember when Joni first came to work at Advanced Technology. We all became a sisterhood at that time and have continued as the "lunch bunch," meeting every Friday for many, many years. We are reeling from her loss and are so sad that she won't be with us anymore. Our love to you at this most difficult time.
Linda and Darryl Easter
Susan Measures
June 9, 2010
Joni, an Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority sister in Ventura County, will be greatly missed in our community of AOPi sisters. She was a classy lady, full of fun, always ready for a laugh, determined, and had a keen concern for other's welfare. We love you, Joni, and will miss you!
Michael Neckerman
June 9, 2010
Please feel free to add your thoughts here. Additional photos of this cool lady and amazing mother can be found here:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/Joni/Homepage.aspx
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