Pearl A. Joaquin

Pearl A. Joaquin

October 27, 1941 - September 13, 2025

After a life filled with love, laughter, and care, our beloved Pearl A. Joaquin went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2025. She was born on October 27, 1941, in Fort Yuma, California, to Juan Joaquin and Rose Hammond Joaquin, and was raised on the Fort Yuma Reservation.

In 1946, Pearl was baptized at St. Thomas Yuma Indian Mission, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and devotion. She later reaffirmed her faith when she was baptized at The Light of the World Cathedral in San Jose, California, in July of 1998.

Pearl graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1959 and continued her education at Central Arizona College before completing her degree in Early Childhood Development at Arizona Western College. Education and learning were always close to her heart, shaping the foundation of her life's work.

Throughout her career, Pearl held a variety of professional roles, each marked by dedication and commitment. She began with Blue Bell Industrial Sewing, Quechan Greenhouse, later served as a Fort Yuma Head Start Teacher, Quechan Tribal Secretary, and Utilities Clerk. Her career culminated in 21 years in the Tribal Gaming Industry, where she served as a Records Specialist, Commission Secretary, and ultimately as Tribal Gaming Chairwoman.

While Pearl excelled in every position she held, her most cherished role was opening her home and her heart as a foster parent and running her own daycare. To countless children, she was their Grandma, nurturing and caring for each with deep love.

Beyond her professional and caregiving roles, Pearl was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed reading and writing shorthand, sewing, and completing word

search puzzles. A devoted sports fan, she faithfully followed basketball, baseball, softball, often reminiscing of her time on her softball teams. She also found joy in

traveling to bird gatherings and held a unique passion for collecting rocks of all shapes, textures, and sizes-each chosen with care and attention.

Pearl also served her community with devotion, holding positions on the Winterhaven Fire District Board, the Quechan Housing Authority Board, and the Quechan Preservation Ways (as one of its original members). She dedicated over 20 years to the Quechan Enrollment Committee, leaving an enduring impact on her Tribe.

Pearl is survived by her son, Jordan D. Joaquin; daughters, Laurie Joaquin and Marie E. Joaquin; grandchildren, Lorena M. Joaquin, Jayna Owens, Breeanna S. Owens, and Irie M. Charles, and great-grandchildren, Mason Diaz, Ennimira Joaquin Diaz, Raiden J. Urquidez, and Brinlee S. Curly. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Babygirl Joaquin; her parents, Juan and Rose Joaquin; sisters, Griselda Joaquin and Rosemary Joaquin; brothers, John J. Joaquin and Thomas M. Joaquin; (she was the last surviving child of Juan and Rose); niece, Rebecca Ramirez, and grandson, Rufus Garcia.

Pallbearers: Mandel Sanchez Jr., David Roosevelt, Clifton Fierro, Rashaun Raymer, John-Robert Sibole, Donald 45 Wayman Jr., William Robert Hill, Thomas Hills, Lawrence Martinez Jr., Johnathan B. Brown, Paul Flores IV, and Noah Charles.

Honorary Pallbearers: Eric Hills, Ronald Aguerro, Ray Pasqual, John Marcus, Michael Roosevelt, Jason Owens, Jessie Escalanti, Adam Long, Jerome Two-

Hearts, Eldon Miguel, Donald Menta, Willis Hawkins, Anthony Palone, Caine Palone, Rufus Garcia Cummins, Felix Montague, Norman Osborne, Gordon

Osborne, Tim OBrien, Wilfred Emerson, Jon Koteen, Virgil S. Smith, Zion White, Frank Comet, Aaron Pacheco, Lee Methot, Morales Escalante, Chano

Escalante, and Mandel Sanchez Sr., Travis Owl.

Services: Viewing will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Yuma Mortuary beginning at 2:00 pm. Tribal Ceremonial Rites will follow at the Fort Yuma

Quechan Big House at 5:00 pm.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Frank and Sheila Espino, sister, Rose Monahan, Erica, Shalila, Orena (Paul), Kamuvelk Flores, Sherry

Cordova, Christina Solorio, William (Bill) Montana, Rufina Villicana, Rosemary Tanny Linton, Danette Joaquin and Rufus Garcia Cummins for their kindness, care, and support.

Pearl was a proud member from the Joaquin, Hammond, Escalante, Palone, Levy and Miguel family.

Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun