Joan Marie Soto

Phil, We are sad to learn of your huge loss. All who knew JoAn realized how special she truly was. May God's embrace surround you and provide comfort to you and your family.

Uncle Phil, Roberta & Bud: Aunt Joan was the best Aunt of all. I will greatly miss that smile, the raspy laugh, and her sense of humor. It makes me feel good to believe that Uncle Roger & my dad were right there to greet her when she arrived in Heaven. I think they're having a great time and watching over all of us. I love you guys.

When I first met Joan, my husband was playing baseball for Phil. Joan made me feel welcome and became a great friend. Tim & I enjoyed Phil & Joan's company at a RiverCats Game this summer. Phil and Joan enjoyed a special love. The Nelson hearts are with Phil, Bud, and family. Joan will be missed.

Joan and I spent many of weekends together with our families and friends at fastpitch tournaments for quite a few years. Since then we've lost touch but have run into each other from time to time. I'll always remember her very recognizable voice and laugh and the fun times we all had together.

Phil, Bert and Bud God bless you and your family and may he comfort you in your loss.

I knew Joan for ten years and worked with her for five years (plus when she returned as a Retired Annuitant) at the California Youth Authority. I interviewed with Joan and Denise Sims in August of 1994 and when I walked out of the interview something inside told me I had the job and that I made a connection with Joan for life. Joan trained me and showed me the ropes at CYA. We sat side by side for years sharing our family stories, jokes, bus trips, and how she had to get ready every year...

I have a special memory of a picture of JOANN at Brenda's birthday party around age 11. She was a good friend of my sister Nancy and a warm and laughing girl! Her cousin Sharon was my friend and classmate. May she rest in the Lord's everlasting peace!

Was so sorry to read that Joan passed away. Joan and I went to school with each other as freshmen at the St. Francis on K Street. I transferred to McClatchy the following year and had lost contact with Joan, as well as many others I wish I'd kept in touch with.

All Joan's family and friends are remembered in my prayers. I know that you'll all find great pleasure and strength as you remember all the wonderful times shared.

I knew Joan for a few years while working with her at Youth Authority. She was one of the kindest and most sincere person that I met there. I will never forget her smile. My thoughts are with your family during this time.

Paula Adams