Joann L.Thacker Modica

Joann L.Thacker Modica Left her body January 16, 2009 at Stanford Hospital following complications from successful aortic valve replacement surgery. Joanne resided in Belvedere /Tiburon for the last 20 years. Joann was born on December 7, 1927 in Erie, PA, the daughter of Ruth and A.W. Thacker. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Mercyhurst College. Joann married James Vincent Modica in 1946 and had six children. In 1963 Joann and her family moved to Central Florida. Joann was a pioneer in management at Disney World from 1968-1974 as the assistant to the Director of Marketing while the park was in its earliest stages, joining Disney as one of the first 12 employees. She was instrumental in organizing and running the first Walt Disney World Golf Classic Tournament. In l975 she moved to Marin County, CA, and began a long career in Real Estate working for Woodfield Properties and Grubb and Ellis. She loved traveling, reading, music, sports, and spending time in her garden. However, her real passion in life was her family, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joann was beautiful inside and out, living by the philosophy that her cup was always half full. Words cannot describe the void we feel and how we will miss her indomitable spirit and amazing sense of humor. We were blessed to have had this incredible woman in our lives and will take with us her zest for life, her selflessness, her unconditional love of her children and grandchildren and carry her in our hearts forever. Joann is survived by her six children, Cheryl Modica, Suzanne Modica Baird (Lenny), Jim Modica (Kathy), John Modica (Katie), Matthew Modica, Annie Modica, Her grandchildren: Ben Weisshaut, Lenny Baird, Noah Modica, Stephanie Tricomi, Alex and Amanda Fraige, James, Clark, and Sam Modica. Great grandchildren, Ganga Baird, and Zion Weisshaut. Also survived by half brother Bill Thacker, son-in-law Richard Fraige, and by her feline companion Pumpkin who gave Joann many happy moments. Friends of the family are invited to a celebration of Joann's life on Tuesday, August 25th at the residence of Annie Modica, from 1:00-3:00, 55 Kipling, Mill Valley. For directions 415-342-2921, 497-5577