Jowenna Surber

JUNE 5, 1941 - MARCH 12, 2007

Much, much loved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and dear friend.

Giving, kind, accepting, caring, fun loving spirit, independent, adventurous, young at heart, grand"¦ are just a few words that have been used to describe our mother, Joanie Surber.

Born on June 5, 1941 to Owen Niemann and Josephine O'Keefe Niemann, Joan grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She had fond memories of her childhood, times with family and vacations at Pinecrest Lake, where she continued to go through the years with her family, own children and grandchildren. She married Ted Surber divorced 1979 and had three children; Ken, and twins Kevin and Kristin. Joanie moved to Felton, California in 1980 where she lived until her passing. She loved her special home and property, the redwoods, and the mountain charm of the San Lorenzo Valley.

Joanie's love of animals was always apparent, from her barrel racing days as a teenager, a very successful career/hobby in the late 60/70/80s as a breeder and exhibitor of Shetland Sheepdogs and Bearded Collies, and in her love of her pets. She also always had a great love for people and has countless friends and acquaintances, both near and far.

In 2000, Joanie opened Chopstix restaurant. Chopstix became an important part of her life and her employees and customers were very dear to her heart. Joanie also loved her community and was happy to be able to contribute to youth sports leagues, San Lorenzo Valley High School and other local charities. Kind and generous, sometimes to a fault, Joanie always offered help to those in need.

Joanie is survived by her father, Owen F. Niemann of Belmont; son Ken Surber of Ben Lomond; son Kevin Surber, daughter-in-law Wendy Surber and grandsons Brian and Matthew Surber of Woodside; daughter Kristin Surber and grandson Max Surber Garver of Claremont; brother Owen C. Niemann, sister-in-law Valerie Niemann, niece Stephanie, and nephew Alex Niemann of San Francisco; her many friends and extended family; her horse Sugarbear and beloved Siamese cat C'Mere. She was preceded in death by her wonderful mother, Josephine Niemann. She will be so, so missed by all.

The family wishes to thank her dear friends and her employees at Chopstix who have been so supportive, Jimmy and Gloria, her friends at the Union Bank of California in Felton, and those caregivers who provided her care at Dominican Critical Care, Dominican Acute Rehab Unit, and Dr. John Anane-Sefah.

A Memorial Service will be held at Felton Community Hall at 6191 Highway 9 Felton, CA 95018 on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 6:00pm. A gathering at Chopstix restaurant is to follow at 6249 Highway 9 Felton, CA. All friends and acquaintances are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Union Bank of California - Felton Office

C/O Surber Remembrance, 6265 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018.

The family will be making a permanent gift to the community in Joanie's name.

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