Joan Marie Anderson

Joan Anderson Obituary

ANDERSON -Joan Marie Anderson, a source of inspiration to all who knew her, died of complications from breast cancer on March 15, 2003 in her Costa Mesa home, surrounded by her family and friends. The daughter of Francesca Owchar and John Colasanti, Joni was born in Rome, New York, in 1953. She easily transferred her roots from the soil of Upstate New York to sunny Southern California, after moving here in 1963. She embrace d life in Orange County and lived most of her adult life in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. With husband Robert, she developed properties in Lake Elsinore, and raised a son, Sean, who graduated from Newport Harbor High School in 2002. Joni pursued a career in banking that spanned more than 30 years, and that career is a perfect example of where hard work will get you. She started out as a secretary for the West Covina branch of Sanwa Bank and would eventually become a bank vice president in the human resources area. She then moved on to Union Bank of California in the mid-1990's, where she was vice president of employee relations. The work ethic that characterized Joni's professional career was also true of her community involvement. Joni dedicated many hours to St. Joachim Catholic Church in Costa Mesa, where she taught Sunday school, worked with confirmation candidates and made friends who very quickly became her second family. Even when diagnosed with cancer in 1998, Joni never complained, t aking Christ as her example; and she spent recent years redecorating her home and dreaming of more ambitious projects (inspired, perhaps, by watching too much HGTV!). We will deeply miss Joni's laugh, her sense of family and that special something about her that was always girlish, always trusting and innocent. There will always be a hole that can never be filled. Joni is survived by her husband, Robert Anderson; her son, Sean Anderson; her mother, Francesca Owchar; her siblings, Nancy Pinti, Nick Owchar, and Maria Lucas; her aunt, Rita Falitico; and by the many other members of her family and by all those who knew her and cherished friendships with her. Services will be held March 22, 2003, 12:00 Noon at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 1946 Orange Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; (949) 574-7400. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Joni's name to St. Joachim Catholic Church.

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Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Mar. 21, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Anderson

7 Entries

Paul Winters

March 24, 2003

Joan was one of those rare individuals whose cheer and kindness was truly genuine, never forced. It showed in her personal and professional relationships alike. She indeed will be missed. I cannot recall a situation at work, in which we dealt together, that did not end with smiles and laughter. This regardless of how unpleasant the business we had to deal with was.

Heaven's gain is our loss.

Susan T Gillaspie

March 21, 2003

In this life we are blessed to meet people like Joni and honored to be called her friend. For each of us who knew her, five minutes, five months or a life time, it is clear, we should all wish to have one part of her compassion, strength, love of life, and faith in God.

Often we are overwhelmed with the obstacles we are given in life, and then Joni reminds each of us that we have no clue of what obstacles truly are. As we go through this difficult time of saying good bye, we should each take comfort in knowing that we are all richer in life because we were honored to have known her. In the darkness of the night and brightness of the day, we will each reflect on one of her many good deeds or a thought that she shared with us and remember the trials of life that she helped to resolve.

While we remain here on earth, sad about our loss, I take comfort in knowing that Joni's journey begins at the end of the worldly existence that we know, and she now walks on streets of gold! The trials of her life are resolved into peace, her Soul has found its way to the LIGHT.

Rest in Peace J, the pleasure of knowing you was truly mine.

James Bradley

March 21, 2003

I am the manager who hired Joni at Union Bank and was her supervisor for a number of years. She was a very special person to me, not only as a worker but as a person with very high morals, a solid work ethic and a value system that commanded a high degree of respect. We often had wonderful discussions about her commitment to her church and her family, particularly her son. I had a grandson near her son's age and often discussed our experiences with them. I never saw her when she was not smiling and having something pleasant to say. It hurts deep within to know that she is no longer here. I will miss her. My condolences to all members of the family.

I regret that I am unable to be at the services for Joni. I am attending another funeral at the same time in Los Angeles.

James Bradley

Dawn Ross

March 21, 2003

What a pleasure and an honor to know and work with Joni these past five years. She made my life infinitely richer and taught me a few things about grace and courage in the face of adversity. And she usually made me laugh while doing it.

I wish Joni eternal peace. We'll miss her terribly, but I know that our fond memories of her will bring us a measure of comfort.

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Dave Rodgers

March 21, 2003

Joan was a friend and collegue who inspired us with her cheerfulness and willingness to help others. She will be greatly missed.

Donna Dahl

March 21, 2003

I was very lucky to have known Joni and shared some unique experiences with her. She approached everything with her wonderful sense of humor, and good spirit. And she cared very much for the people she worked with and assisted in the course of her job. I saw how special she was and was able to share those feelings with her on several occassions. She would just smile very humbly, and say thank you. I saw the courage with which she approached her illness, right up to the end. The world, her friends, and her family have lost a very special person. But how lucky we were to have had the time we had with her. I know she is dancing in heaven as we say goodbye to her. With love, Donna Dahl

Myra Crow

March 21, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to Joni's family and friends. May your sorrow be quickly replaced with only fond and loving memories of Joni.

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