Joan Louise Thomas Michel

Joan Louise Thomas Michel

Joanie passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 4th with fond memories of a full life. Joan was born on February 26, 1934, in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the beloved daughter of Joe and Grace Thomas.

Joan was raised on the farmlands and ranches of Idaho and Nevada. She was a graduate of Elko High School (NV) where she excelled on the tennis team. Soon thereafter, she reached out for the bright lights of Los Angeles where she attended Woodbury College. After a brief stint in the office world, she decided she wanted to see more of the world and became a flight attendant for United Airlines. Little did she know that decision would shape the rest of her life.

On Christmas Day in 1957 on a flight to Seattle she was approached by a passenger who asked her out for dinner. She kindly replied, "I don't date passengers!" Well, Jack Michel was persistent, found out when she was returning to Los Angeles, got on that flight, and asked again. She accepted the offer and the rest is history. They were married 9 months later.

Joan and Jack had their first son one year later and then followed another son and finally their daughter. They raised their family on Big Rock in Malibu until the traffic took its toll and moved to Pacific Palisades in 1973 where they lived until Jack's passing in 2012.

Joanie was the consummate mother; put her family first, loyal, strong adherence to core values, loving, supportive and would do anything for those close to her to help them achieve their goals. Her children she put on a pedestal and that feeling was mutual. She loved a fun time, traveled the world with Jack, had a captivating laugh, embraced entertaining and was a poster child for the "hostess with the mostess." In her "free" time, she followed Jack's lead and gave of herself in so many ways. She was active with the moms and offices of Our Lady of Malibu and Corpus Christi Church. When her sons attended Loyola High School, she ramped up her efforts and became President of the Loyola High Mothers Guild. She also contributed with time and effort to the Marymount High School Les Anges Organization. In her community she continued to give back, contributing Member of the National Charity League, President of Santa Monica Westside Charity League and Chair of the Santa Monica Charity League Follies. She was also an active member for years with Santa Monica Rotary Ann's. Jack's love was the St. John's Hospital and Health Center and Joan was by his side as a member of the Irene Dunne Guild and volunteering at the Hospital as well. Their combined efforts were acknowledged when Jack and Joan received the prestigious Carnitas Award of St John's.

Her other use of free time was for her love of golf and spending time on the golf course. The Michel's were members of The Los Angeles Country Club for almost 50 years, and Joan loved her golfing friends and partners; she was actively involved in the Ladies Auxiliary and served as their President.

Joan spent the last few years of her life in East Bay of Northern California to be closer to her kids. It is there in her home that she passed with a smile on her face. The family extends deep gratitude to the phenomenal staff at Felipe Care Homes for taking care of Mom. Joan is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Jack, her parents and her brother, Donald. She was blessed with three children: Thomas (Kim), Robert (Laura) and Megan (Mark) and 7 grandchildren, Jack, Meredith, TJ, Marcus, Samuel, Brigitte, and Angelique. Private graveside services will be held and a gathering to celebrate her life will follow. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Johns Foundation and the Irene Dunne Guild; www.saintjohnsfoundation.org or 2121 Santa Monica Blvd.; Santa Monica, CA 90404.