Joan Ann Brown

Joan Ann (Powsner) Brown (formerly Hadel)
February 12, 1932 - December 31, 2025

Joan Ann Brown passed away peacefully in her home on December 31, 2025, at the age of 93 with her children at her side.

Joan was born on February 12, 1932, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Selma Leand and Joseph Powsner. When she was 13 years old her family packed up the car and drove across the country to settle in Los Angeles, California. Joan spent the rest of her life in Los Angeles.

In 1950 Joan married Richard Hadel and together they had three children: Robin Hadel-Bloch, Leslie (Star) Hadel-Siegfried, and Andy Hadel. Joan was an adoring grandmother to Sheridan Bloch, Alivia Bloch, Julian Bloch, Stefan Siegfried, and Ariana Hadel. She was also a loving great-grandmother to Ilan Besner, Lev Ziegfried, and Maya & Romy Bloch.

Joan's second husband, Mike Brown, was the true love of her life and they remained happily married for more than 40 years.

Joan was a homemaker, artist, and later in life became a legal secretary. In retirement she was an avid volunteer for the Skirball Center in Los Angeles, hospital volunteer, and played Mahjong several times a week.

Joan possessed a quiet beauty and was always impeccably dressed. An undiscovered artist, Joan left behind hundreds of masterfully executed oil paintings that explored the genres of still-life, landscape, and portraiture. Joan was also a gifted seamstress, knitter, needlepointer, beaded flower artist, and fabulous cook. She leaves behind a book of treasured family recipes. She saw beauty all around her and her homes reflected that vision—always warm, beautiful, and awash in her favorite colors of blue and white.

Joan was a kind and gentle soul who was adored by her children, family, and friends. Her kindness touched everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her smile, her caring, her artistic spirit, and the quiet love she gave so freely. May these memories be a blessing for all.

Joan was preceded in death by her 2nd husband Michael Brown, brother Robert Powsner, and sister Susie Powsner-Nooger.

A celebration of life will be held for friends and family. Date and time to be announced.