Joanne Marie Estes

ESTES, Joanne Marie - Joanne Estes, a longtime San Anselmo resident, died at her home on August 17, 2005 following a tenacious battle with leukemia. She was 59 years old. She was born in San Francisco, to John Gheno and Italia "Tillie" Re. She graduated from Balboa High School and then settled in Manhattan for several years. After returning to San Francisco, she met and married Paul Estes on February 27, 1966. They moved to San Anselmo in 1970 with their first child, David. Their daughter, Lee Ann was born later that year. She and Paul always maintained an active lifestyle focused on their mutual passions: travel, ballroom dancing, gardening and family. Joanne enjoyed being surrounded by beautiful things. She traveled frequently throughout the world, and often encouraged others to do the same. Her command of many languages and her inquisitive nature made her the perfect travel companion. Her children, once grown, often asked her, "Where are you and dad going this month?" She would simply smile and say "Oh, we'll go somewhere." And they always did. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and with Paul enjoyed many trips to Italy. They were both career employees of Pacific Gas & Electric. In addition to her husband Paul, she is survived by her son, David Estes and wife Toria of Anderson Island, Washington and their children Alec, Sam and Olivia; her daughter, Lee Ann Reinhard and husband Michael of Kentfield and their children Julia and Andrew; her mother-in-law, Rose Estes and family of San Anselmo; her aunts, Yolanda Actis and Caroline Lagorio of San Francisco and their families; her cousin, Maria Gheno of Valstagna, Italy and family; her fabulous neighbors and her Siamese cat, Charlotte. Her parents and her step-father Peter Re preceded her in death. The family would like to thank the health care team at UCSF including all of the wonderful nurses in the ACC clinic, Hospice of Marin, Katie Regan, Dr. Charles Linker, Dr. Thomas Martin and Dr. Curt Ries, whom Joanne credited with helping her wage a long and at times successful battle focused on quality of life. His wisdom and insight was a great source of strength to her. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anselm Church, 97 Shady Lane in Ross on Monday, August 22nd at 1 pm. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or online @ www.leukemia-lymphoma.org CHAPEL OF THE HILLS Family Owned & Operated San Anselmo ~ 453-8440