Joan Georgine Sinclair "Abba" Gunther

09/02/1929-06/03/2014

"Can't say it ain't been wonderful" were some of this incredible woman's final words, making it easier on her family and friends to let her go. She lived her whole life with this sense of humor. Even during difficult times, she would make fun of any situation. She is missed so much.

Even though her family was her favorite, other passions were art, cooking, teaching, traveling, playing cards with her local buddies, and beating her children in iPad scrabble (most of the time).

After growing up in Tom's River, New Jersey, attending Cooper Union Art School in New York City, marrying Allan Gunther and having three children, Joan and her gang moved to Carpinteria in 1960 (no more bundling up the kids to play in the snow, yay!!). Two more children later she continued her creative journey, selling her paintings along Cabrillo Blvd and showing her work in galleries all over California. She was a long time art teacher at Adult Ed in Santa Barbara and at Cate School in Carpinteria. She was a member of the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West, Santa Barbara Art Association, and Santa Barbara Arts council and assisted with the birth and future expansion of the Carpinteria Arts Center. She was also known as a "Foody", although her 5 children didn't appreciate her gourmet cooking until much later. She and a friend established their own catering business, Cooking Cousins. They were an awesome duo, feeding Carpinteria and Santa Barbara clients with scrumptious and elegant meals. She did all of this while raising 5 children. Joan also loved to travel, especially to Mexico and Asia, and always wanted to visit India. Actually, she took any opportunity to explore the world, always with art in mind. One of her favorite places to visit was Figueroa Mountain in Santa Ynez. These are only a few of the many joys and accomplishments in her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years, Allan Gunther (mathematics teacher at Cate School, California). She is survived by her brother, William Sinclair of South Carolina, and his family, and by her 5 children: Jeff Gunther of Pasadena, CA; Kim Gunther (Sandy) of Watsonville, CA; Linda Gunther Swearingen (Bruce) of San Jose, CA; Jill Gunther Matthews (Tom) of Reno, NV; and David Gunther (Dianne) of Carpinteria, CA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Matt, Mandy, Conner, Wes, Sydney, Ben, Jenna, and Cooper, and 2 step grandchildren, Bev and Perry. Many more relatives, caregivers, and friends survive her. All were honored and fortunate to spend time reminiscing, joking, and enjoying each moment with her before she went on her way.

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating this dear woman on July 5. In lieu of flowers please contribute to your favorite organization that supports the arts, in Joan's honor.