Ellen "Joann" Shellcross

I first met Joann on her first day of work at Contel in Bakersfield. The "tule fog" was especially bad that morning; and she had all of us in stitches with laughter with her recounting of her first commute to work.

I loved that part of Joann. She could lighten almost any situation with her humor and stories. And, that laughter! It was contagious.

Her concern for the Contel employees she represented, (and so often for the "underdog"), was sincere, deliberate and...

I worked with Joann in Human Resourses at Contel. She was such a hard worker & cared so much about the employees -- but her ready sense of humor kept things on the light side. I remember when I had a serious medical problem & the HMO would not do anything to help. Joann came to my house & personally took me to the doctor's & told them that we weren't leaving until they admitted me to the hospital. She was always a wonderful & dear friend. My thoughts & prayers are with the family & I...

I just learned of Joann's passing from a friend in Bakersfield. Joann and I worked for the same company in Bakersfield but I retired and moved away several years ago and did not know that she had been sick. I was so sorry to hear the news. What I remember about Joann was that wonderful smile and her kindness. May God bless her family and help them through this great loss.

Joann was a constant in our lives. As my mother's (Roxie) Dearest Friend she was part of the family, and she and Glen always made us feel that we were part of theirs. I was stunned to hear of her death and she will be missed by all that knew her.

Joann and my mother were best friends and my family loved her dearly. The two of them showed me what true friendship meant and would make anyone long for something even close to what they had. Many times I was able to go golfing or bowling with them and I always had the time of my life. Both she and my mother were women to be very proud of. My family sends our deepest condolences to Glenn, Carda, Tracy and the rest of the Shellcross family. We love you very much are sorry for your loss.

Our mutual friend Mary Jones let me know of Joann's passing. I had the privilege of working with Joann in the early '80's with Contel. It didn't take me long to know that Joann was a rare character! She could make the dullest of meetings come to life and I know she will be missed by many.

Such a loss! Joanne was a beacon of light during my tenure at CSUB--and remained so in the 22 years since. Her strength of character and commitment to her daughters and husband will continue to be an inspiration. We'll miss you, Joann.

I'll always remember Joann's warm smile and engaging, chuckling laugh. 10 years ago she invited Ruth and me to her house for Christmas dinner. Knowing that Ruth's mom was in the hospital dying, Joann welcomed us with open, loving arms. It's a memory I'll always cherish. I love you, Joann. Thanks for having Tracy and Carda.

As a young girl I loved it when aunt Joann would come to visit. She was always elegant and sure and beautiful but to this little girl she was the 'best'. I think it was her full wonderful, and genuine laugh that I enjoyed the most. And our mom, normally busy with five children and the usual household chores, would always take a real break and soon her own full laughter would join Joann's; you had to love her.

My condolences to my dear cousins and to Glenn. She surely knew...