Joan Gayle Stringer

Joan Gayle Stringer CARLSBAD -- Joan Gayle Stringer peacefully went to God on Monday, October 25, 2010, ending her long struggle with cancer. Born on January 17, 1957 to Roy J. and Margie Kapicka in Inglewood, California, Joan was a joyous addition to her parent's family of three boys. The family moved to Caldwell, Idaho in 1959, where she was raised on their family farm. She attended her early schooling in the Caldwell, Idaho and graduated from Vallivue High School in 1975. While attending Vallivue, Joan met the love of her life, Steve Stringer. Together they attended Boise State University where Joan earned her bachelor's degree as an Elementary teacher. Steve and Joan were married at St Paul's Catholic Center in Boise, Idaho on December 28, 1979. Steve and Joan moved to California and began an extremely successful career with the Broadway Department stores where she quickly earned a position as assistant store manager. Joan chose to leave her career to focus as a loving mother of four beautiful daughters. Joan worked for a time at St Francis Catholic School Daycare in Vista, California to help support her family and be near her children who all attended the school. During her children's early years, Joan volunteered at the school nurse's office, car pool and field trip mom and was fondly known as the ultimate Girl Scout cookie mom. She also made sure her daughters were grounded in faith, family and giving; all virtues she modeled throughout her life. Joan was a gift to her cancer support group, the St. Peregrine's Angel Network (SPAN) during the past 5 years. She was tireless in her ministry to those in treatment, bringing gifts, cards, flowers and meals along with her smile and shining spirit. She did not let anyone in the group whose journey with cancer was ending to go without her company. One member of the group wrote, "I've often felt that Joan was too good for this earth, and there wasn't much left for God to accomplish in this beautiful soul." Those who experienced Joan's love and mercies wanted more of her on this earth, of course, but in the short time she was with the group, she ministered and left a legacy of her love and shining spirit. Joan is survived by her husband, Steve; four beautiful daughters, Margaret, Kathryn, Alexandra, and Emma; siblings, Roy (Chris) Kapicka, Don (Irene) Kapicka, Jim (Debi) Kapicka, and Carolyn (Les) Korn, in-laws, William and Anna Stringer, Larry (Eva) Stringer, Doug (Gail) Stringer, Sandra Stringer, Denise Stringer, and many, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Joan is preceded in death by her parents. The Vigil for Joan will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, 525 W. Vista Way, Vista, Calif., beginning at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday evening October 27, 2010 with the Vigil service at 7:00 p.m., preceded by the viewing. Joan's Holy Mass of the Resurrection will be conducted 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 28th, also at St. Francis Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, Joan's family would request that donations be made in her memory to St. Francis Catholic Church, with designation to the SPAN organization to spiritually support other women afflicted with cancer. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com