Joan Vaughan

1929 - 2024

Despite her small stature - she was only 4' 10" - Aunt Joan lived a large and long life. Born Joan Lea Yulo on April 27th, 1929, in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, her mother moved the family to Santa Barbara, CA when she was 14. Despite the angst caused by this monumental disruption, it only took two days of being in sunny "paradise" for her to forget all about NYC.She attended Santa Barbara High, received an engineering degree from UCSB, then moved to the Bay Area, where she remained for the rest of her life.Her initial San Francisco residence was at Baker's Acres, a boarding house for young people. Some of her fondest memories were from that time, and life-long friends were made there.Her first employer was Bechtel, but that gig didn't last long. She found much more satisfying employment with the Campfire Girls, where she served as Executive Director of Marin Co. for 9 years. She then worked for the state of California for 30 years, retiring as Chief of the Coastal Region for the Dept. of Health Care Services.She married Glen Vaughan Sept. 3, 1960 back in sunny Santa Barbara, and they built their Corte Madera home in 1965, where she remained until the end.In retirement, Aunt Joan was busy beyond busy, founding and serving on numerous Corte Madera boards and foundations. Highlights include:Founding member & Treasurer of C.M. Community Foundation - 30 yearsFounding member of the C.M. Beautification Committee - 30 yearsChair / member of the C.M. Parks and Rec Commission - 16 yearsMember of the Friends of the C.M. LibraryTreasurer of the C.M. Women's ClubC.M. Volunteer of the Year Award 2012She was also instrumental in getting bluebird boxes, doggie poop bag stations, drinking fountains, benches, and the beautiful hanging flower baskets placed throughout town.Her robust life will be celebrated Friday, January 12th at 10 am at St. Patrick's Church, 114 King St., Larkspur, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:30 am at the C.M. Community Center, 498 Tamalpais Drive, C.M.All donations should be made to the C.M. Community Foundation. Please, no flowers.