Joanne Kaelin Gizdich

1932 - 2024

With heavy hearts, we remember Joanne Kaelin Gizdich, a long time Napa resident, who passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, at the age of 92, lovingly surrounded by her three daughters.

Joanne is survived by daughters Patricia Power and Cathy Felipe of Napa, Nancy Gizdich of Pleasant Hill, grandson Alexander Power of San Francisco and adored granddog Oliver; brothers Robert Kaelin, Conrad Kaelin, Bernard Kaelin and Terry Marusick. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Edward Gizdich, parents Anne and Conrad Kaelin, father Joseph Marusick, brother John Kaelin and son-in-law Joe Felipe.

Joanne was born March 29, 1932, in Ronald, Washington to Anne Verb and Joseph Marusick. She grew up in Tacoma where, at the age of two, her mother married Conrad Kaelin, who became her beloved stepfather.

Joanne was raised on a family farm with many chores to handle-milking cows, feeding chickens, baling hay, churning butter, and picking baskets of berries in the summer. As the only girl and eldest child, she helped care for her four brothers daily - cooking breakfast and dinner from a young age. These qualities of hard work, industriousness, integrity, and responsibility shaped her life. She was an exceptional cook; she didn't need recipes, it was like watching an artist at work in the kitchen, and she was an accomplished baker, too. Everything she made was homemade and delicious-from comforting pot roast and pasta to decadent chocolate mousse cake.

Joanne attended elementary and high school in Puyallup, Washington where she studied and excelled in sports. She was interested in cosmetology and had a natural flair for hair styling; often giving cuts, perms and curls to both her friends and her daughters.

On February 03, 1951, Joanne married Edward Gizdich of Oakland, California. They met when Ed was stationed at nearby Fort Lewis, Washington, and after his service ended, they married in Tacoma. The couple moved to Oakland, where Ed began his career in the electrical business. At 20 years old Joanne was looking forward to beginning their life together, though she would miss family and friends in Washington. In December 1951, they welcomed daughter Patricia, and twin daughters Nancy and Cathy in 1955. The young family made their first home in Fremont, then Alamo in 1960, and later, in 1979 built a home at the Silverado Country Club in Napa. After retiring in 1997, Ed and Joanne made their last move to the Napa Yacht Club-a home that remains in the family today.

Joanne began her working life at Sunshine Biscuits in Oakland, home of the iconic Hydrox cookie and Cheez-It crackers. After their first daughter was born, she devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom. She embraced her role as wife, mother, and homemaker-preparing special birthday dinners and filling every holiday with festive traditions, one of which were her famous creamy pumpkin pies. She found joy in sewing, cooking and collecting cookbooks. Cooking was her love language; nothing made her happier than seeing her guests savor one of her delectable meals. She was a gracious hostess, welcoming family, friends and Ed's colleagues to their home for a table of delicious homemade dishes.

Joanne loved shopping at Costco, Safeway, Trader Joe's and Walmart. She liked getting her hair done and catching up on salon news. She enjoyed lunching with girlfriends and trying out new restaurants. She was always stylishly dressed with coordinated jewelry, shoes and handbags.

Joanne treasured animals, especially the many rescue cats she nursed back to health. In her later years she doted on Oliver, her grandson's dog, who gave her much joy and affection. She in turn, spoiled him with toys, treats and even meals prepared just for him. There wasn't a plant she didn't try to save, finding delight in every new bloom. She tended her garden, often gathering fresh herbs and tomatoes for dinner. Some of Joanne's fondest memories were traveling with her family, enjoying trips to Tahoe, Carmel, Hawaii, Europe, Africa, and cruises to unforgettable destinations.

In 1989, Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer, a challenge she met with her characteristic strength and resilience. After surgery and chemotherapy, she survived and remained cancer free for 35 years. She took pride in being a member of the Queen of the Valley Bosom Buddies support group and modeled in many of the Reach for the Stars fashion events.

Joanne decided to go back to work in 1987, partnering with her daughter Patti to open Captiva, a retail business in Yountville, CA. Joanne took pleasure in buying merchandise, meeting customers and the friendships of fellow shopkeepers. She was admired for being cordial and helpful, outstanding at her job, and worked at the Vintage 1870 for 20 rewarding years.

Of her many roles, being a grandmother brought her the greatest joy. When her grandson Alex was born; he was her only grandchild, and she adored him beyond measure. The feeling was mutual; he often told her she was the best grandma anyone could ask for. After turning 90 she would encourage him to find a nice girl to marry, so she could attend his wedding. As she lay fading from this life, Alex was tearfully holding her hand, telling her how much he loved her. As he gently pulled his hand away, she held on tightly, unwilling to let go, leaving him with a bond of love he will carry forever.

Joanne will be remembered as the heart of her family, putting her whole heart into everything she did. Ed would say she was a good person and a beautiful wife, Patti would say she was her best friend, and Nancy and Cathy would say she was a true blessing; all would say she was smart and funny, quick-witted, genuine and generous, with a spirit full of love and common sense.

As an amazing Mom, her greatest hope was for us to feel happy and safe, whether it be a tummy full of warm food or a heart full of love. All she cared about was showing us how much she loved us and giving us a better childhood than her own. We are the women we are today because of her and Alex wouldn't have the mother he has without her. She lives on in all of us.

It's been a year since her passing and she is deeply missed, especially the moments we shared together as a family. Thank you, dearest mom, for being there whenever we needed you. We wish we had told you more often how grateful we were and how much we appreciated everything you did for our family.

While we sadly mourn the loss of our mother, our hearts will forever cherish the lessons she taught and the love she gave. Her legacy will continue as a reminder of the love that binds us all together. We take comfort in the belief that she has returned to the arms of the loved ones that have gone before her.

At Joanne's request her family held a private memorial in her honor.

Condolences and words of sympathy may be shared at www.tulocaycemetery.org. Joanne Kaelin Gizdich