Joan Gabrielle Seidel

Sweet Joan at a pie fight

For forty years, I had the great good fortune to live downhill from Joan, right across the street from her garden. It was the first thing I saw when I opened the door in the morning, and a delight to my entire family every time we stepped outside. It wasn´t always this beautiful; Joan created it herself over the course of years. Strangers often stopped to admire her work and take photos of it. Hikers said it had found its way into a guidebook of Los Angeles´s hidden staircases - they knew to turn right after passing the garden with the blue bottles. It was a gift to us all.
But the garden was just one aspect of Joan. I didn´t know her well when I first moved here. She was no doubt working, I was busy chasing after toddlers, and anyway, our doors opened out on different streets. But over the years our friendship deepened. Her intelligence shone in every conversation, and her kindness endeared her not only to me, but to the entire neighborhood. My daughter, who balances a career with family life, admired Joan and considered her a role model.
Our sense of loss at this time must be just a shadow of the loss her family is experiencing, and my heart goes out to all of you. Your devotion and love brought her great joy over the years, and comfort in her final weeks.
Joan was unique, and I´ll remember her always.

My deepest condolences to Joan´s family know that Joan and all family will be in my prayers, I cared for Joan a few weeks and in those few days I felt she was family she smiled she was so smart she was really an inspiration to me to see how smart she was she would talk to me about her garden she had me cut some flowers to give to me for my bday she was so sweet I will always remember how she thought of everyone she always wanted to send a card to say thank you to everyone that would think of her, I want to say thank you to Joan for been so sweet with me and a see you latter Joan because one day we will see each other in heaven to let you know how much everyone misses you and let you know how beautiful your garden still looks . My deepest condolences , Grace

I was , am very sorry to hear that Joan had passed . She was always concerned that I was doing ok ! She was so intelligent.
My wife to be is passionate about flowers and had the chance to send some time with Joan .
She will be missed .
I am very sorry for your loss Jon , Lisa , Tom and others !
I wish you all a long life !
Ivan and Nicole .

Our hearts express the deepest condolences to the family.
Joan was a special lady. I did not know her or Lisa well, but Jay and I are so very fond of her son, Jon (whom we do know well), so we know what a terrific 'job' she did raising him.
When I visited with Joan at her house over the last couple of years, she wasn't well but always had a smile, kind things to say, and offered chocolate to us often!
We often traded puzzles. I was amazed how quickly Joan would finish the 1,000 piece ones!
She will be sorely missed.
May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
All our love, Sharon Ehrlich and Jay Jackson xoxo

Joan will truly be missed. I have had the honor of knowing her since Lisa and I became friends in Junior High school. Just over 20 years ago, we moved into Joan´s neighborhood and have had a friendly neighborly relationship ever since. Joan loved to share her knowledge of plants and gave me cuttings from one of her plumerias so j could have my own. We will miss her very much.