Joan Marie Gonsalves Elms

Joan Marie Gonsalves Elms, aged 88, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Clovis, California, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 2, 1936, in Oakland, California, to Alfred and Marie Gonsalves, Joan lived a life full of love, faith, and adventure.

Joan was a devoted member of the Harbor Chapel Community Church in Moss Landing, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of her life, and she left behind a legacy of great faith and love for God.

Joan was an avid reader and a passionate world traveler, having visited places like the Great Pyramids in Egypt, Australia, and the Holy sites of Jerusalem. She often shared her philosophy with her family, "Die in debt, but die well-traveled!"

She was married to Leroy Carl Anderson in 1956 and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Joan was predeceased by her husbands, parents, daughter Suzanne Marie Reynolds, daughter-in-law Sandra Lynn Treadwell Anderson, and grandson Stephen Walter Anderson.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. Joan's family includes Leroy Carl Anderson II and Dagnah Thompson, Tracy Lee Shake and Tene Shake, Jennifer Roxane Ward Shimmon and Jeffery Dale Shimmon, Peter Walter Jones, Jefferson Ward and Gina Ward, Teresa Rodriguez, Brian Elms, and Steven Elms, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 am on December 11, 2025, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Prunedale, CA, officiated by her loving son-in-law, Pastor Tene Shake.