Joan Pedlow Maginniss Lewerenz

Joan Pedlow Maginniss Lewerenz, age 89, of Lafayette, California, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, surrounded by family who loved her deeply.

Born on November 3, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Hamilton John Maginniss and Elizabeth Wilscombe Pedlow Maginniss, Joan lived a life defined by strength, devotion, and quiet resilience. She carried an indomitable spirit that guided her through life’s challenges and joys alike. Her beautiful smile could light up a room, and those who knew her will remember the kindness and steadiness she brought wherever she went.

During Joan’s childhood, her family moved to Mansfield, Ohio, where she and her younger sister, Mary Kathleen (“Marykay”), were raised. She attended Brinkerhoff Elementary School, Johnny Appleseed Junior High School, and Mansfield Senior High School, graduating with the Class of 1954. In high school, she was active in extra-curricular activities and many of the friendships she formed during those years remained with her throughout her life.

Joan attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. One of her fondest memories was traveling by train with sorority sisters to Pasadena, California, to watch Ohio State play the University of Oregon in the 1958 Rose Bowl — a game made even sweeter by a Buckeye victory. She graduated in 1958 with a B.A. degree in Elementary Education.

After graduation, Joan accepted a teaching position in the public school system in Hawaii and lived on the island of Oahu. She taught third grade at Kahuku High & Elementary School and fell in love with the Hawaiian culture, its people, and the tropical lifestyle. In 1959, she witnessed history as Hawaii became the 50th state. The “Aloha Spirit” — living in harmony with oneself, others, and nature — shaped her profoundly and remained with her always, reflected in her kindness, patience, and understanding.

By the early 1960s, Joan had relocated to San Francisco, where she continued teaching in elementary education. On a winter ski trip to Lake Tahoe, she met William (“Bill”) Walter Lewerenz après ski at Squaw Valley Ski Resort (now Palisades Tahoe). A brief conversation — and a misspelled last name — sent Bill on several weeks of determined detective work after he returned to San Francisco. Just as he was about to give up, fate intervened: they both attended the same summer party in Stinson Beach. The rest was history. They dated, became engaged, and married within three months. Joan and Bill were wed at Mansfield Country Club in Mansfield, Ohio, on October 20, 1962. They celebrated 57 wonderful years of marriage before Bill’s passing in January 2020.

As newlyweds Joan and Bill lived in Oakland. In 1964, they settled in Lafayette, where they raised their family. Joan loved her family above all else. Being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was not simply a role — it was her greatest joy in life. She expressed her love in steady, everyday ways: through her presence, her care, and her unwavering support. Her sense of humor and gift for making others laugh were among her most treasured qualities. She delighted in hosting gatherings and transforming her home with seasonal and holiday decorations that made every occasion feel special.

Joan loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures with Bill, family vacations, and journeys with dear friends. She cherished time spent at family homes in Lake Tahoe and Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida — places that held her heart. Whether exploring new destinations, walking the Lafayette-Moraga Bike Trail, strolling around the Lafayette Reservoir, or spending time with her beloved dog Ginger, Joan embraced the beauty of each day.

An active member of the Lafayette community, Joan rarely sat still. She found fulfillment in helping others and giving her time generously. Over the years, she volunteered at her children’s schools and numerous organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation, the Friendship Foundation, Monument Crisis Center, Katie’s Kloset, Filoli Historic House & Garden, and the Lafayette Library Friends Corner Book Shop. A devoted member of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, she sang in “Noteables,” a group that brought music to assisted living communities throughout the East Bay. Joan was also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for more than 50 years, passionately supporting its mission of advancing educational opportunities for women.

Joan is survived by her loving children: daughter Sally McKay (Kent) of Lafayette; sons John (Pam) of Lafayette and Rob of San Francisco; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; her sister Marykay Breitenbach of Saratoga, California; extended family across the country; and her beloved dog, Ginger. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William (“Bill”) Walter Lewerenz.

A private interment will be held in April at Oakmont Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette, followed by a celebration of Joan’s life with immediate family.

Joan will be remembered for her strength, perseverance, independence, beautiful smile, and the deep love she had for her family. Her presence in our lives was a gift. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. We take comfort in knowing she and our Dad are together again in heaven.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Carnelian for the loving care and support they provided Joan in her final years. “Joan had such a one-of-a-kind spirit. She brought so much personality and life into our days, and we will never forget her. She pushed us to be our best selves and we are better caregivers because we knew her.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of your choice that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of others.