Joan Hulbert

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joan Hulbert, known affectionately by many as YANULA or Yaya, on December 12, 2025. Born on September 26, 1937, Joan lived a life full of passion, wisdom, and unyielding love. As a resident of Sparks, Nevada, Joan's radiant spirit and boundless energy touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, filling every role with grace and unwavering devotion.

Joan's life was a symphony of accomplishments and love. She was a dedicated school teacher, retiring from two school districts and leaving a profound impact on her students in both California and Tonopah, Nevada. Her passion for music was infectious, especially as an accomplished concert pianist. She often played for her church, Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Reno, and took great joy in her involvement with the Daughters of Pendelope. Joan's love for travel led her to explore the world, but her heart was always firmly planted in her Greek heritage, a love she passed on to her family and friends. A prolific writer, she published three books and numerous screenplays, showcasing her boundless creativity and love for storytelling.

A woman of strong faith, Joan was a beacon of love and kindness. She was described as a sister, mother, aunt, grandmother-a woman who filled every role with grace, love, and unwavering devotion. Her loss is felt deeply by her sons, Tom and Neil Hulbert, daughter Diamond, her grandchildren, Aubrey, Jack, Evan, Stephanie, James and Rachel. Great grandchildren Jason and Christine, Brothers Tom Fotopulos and Joe Lucchio, stepfather Frank Lucchio and many other family members and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Fotopolis and Diamond Lucchio.

As we remember Joan, let us take comfort in the words of the Bible, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18). Joan's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will forever be a testament to her unwavering love, kindness, and commitment to her faith and family.

A Mass and reception in honor of Joan will be held at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, located at 4795 Lakeside Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89509, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 am PST. We invite you to leave memories, and upload photos to the memorial page as we celebrate Joan's extraordinary life. We find solace knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by the music she loved so deeply, and is joyfully reunited with our loved ones who passed before her.