Joan M. Beck

Joan M. Beck was bom to Eugene and Maria Des Jardins on December 1, 1925 in Pasadena, Calif. and entered into eternal rest on April, 27, 2010. She is survived by her loving family: husband, James F. Beck; son, James C. Beck (Debra) of Placerville, Calif.; daughter, Patricia Sutherland of Irvine, Calif.; sister, S. Jean Marie Des Jardins of Mission San Jose, Calif.; brother, Gene Des Jardins of Hemet Calif.; twin brother, John Des Jardins (Arlene) of Lake Forrest, Calif.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson, as well as many nephews and nieces. She and Jim had been married for 63 years. Joan graduated from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and later in life studied at Fullerton College. She was a talented, prolific and innovative artist in many media. She had been a member of the La Habra and Whittier Art Associations, Women Painters and the American Watercolor Society. Lorser Feitelson, Los Angeles artist, teacher, critic told her several years ago that she was the closest to Mary Cassat that he had seen. Joan has taught religious education at her former parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra as well at St. Francis of Assisi in La Quinta. For many years she did volunteer work at Martha's Kitchen and the Village Store in Indio. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on May 4, 2010 at Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta, Fr. James Mclaughlin officiating. Internment will be at Desert Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Martha's Village and Kitchen. FitzHenry-Wiefels Cremation and Burial Service is handling arrangements.