Bonnie Latour

Bonnie JoeAnne Latour (Pierce), lovingly known as JoeAnne, passed away on December 18, 2024, in Auburn, California, at the age of 89. Born on June 16, 1935, she was a proud descendant of the Smith family, whose roots in Sacramento date back to the 1870s.

JoeAnne grew up in South Sacramento near the Executive Airport. Her father, Bonnie Pierce, worked at Campbell's Soup Company, sparking her lifelong collection of Campbell's Soup memorabilia. Her mother, Babe Pierce, was a devoted homemaker who cared for JoeAnne and her older brother John. As children, JoeAnne and John enjoyed exploring their neighborhood and creating fond memories with her best friend of 86 years, Aileen Adams. She attended Clarksburg High School, where she met her first husband, Thomas "Tom" Zayas.

JoeAnne's proudest achievement was her large family. She was the loving mother of four children: Thomas "Tommy" Meade Zayas, born on her 20th birthday; Bonita "Niki" Diane Gamboa; Susan Charlotte Zayas; and Gina Louise Zayas. JoeAnne delighted in being a grandmother to six grandchildren-Zachary Zayas, Randi Zayas, Jacob Zayas, John Gamboa, Chrissy Gamboa Jablonski, and Andy Zayas-a great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandmother to one.

A dedicated civil servant, JoeAnne spent several years working for the California Department of Highway Patrol. Following her time with the Highway Patrol she worked for Doctor Madigan's office as a Office Manager. During her working days, JoeAnne met some of her greatest friends. JoeAnne had a quick whit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was fond of crafting, sewing and creating for her family and friends. JoeAnne was a exceptional gift giver and enjoyed collecting for those she loved.

In 1986, JoeAnne married Edward "Ed" Latour, the love of her life. Ed opened JoeAnne's world to fishing, hunting and Harley Davidson riding. JoeAnne cherished her time riding on Ed's Harley, touring the western States. Ed and JoeAnne lived in Carson City, Nevada for 18 years, before returning to the greater Sacramento Area. She always enjoyed watching the changing colors of the Sierras and the snow fall from her window. JoeAnne had a great love for dogs and had many wonderful dog companions throughout her long life.

JoeAnne is preceded in death by her brother John Pierce; ex-husband Tom Zayas; and husband Ed Latour. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A memorial will be held in her honor in the coming weeks, details to follow.