February 20
February 20
Another year without you miss ya love Nan
This memorial is for my best friend and wife, Joanne, who left us all too quickly.
A funeral service and “celebration of her life” was held at the Carmel Mission Basilica on Monday, March 7, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Joanne M. O'Such Memorial Fund at the Community Hospital Foundation, PO Box HH, Monterey, 93942 or to donate through the web by clicking below
Community Hospital Foundation
This site, which is limited-access and not searchable by Google, will capture stories and pictures from all her friends and family so they can be shared with one another along with her grandchildren. In this way, I hope to celebrate Joanne's life and continue her spirit for generations to come. Please add your "stories with pictures" to the Gallery section and "stories without pictures" to the Stories section.
The death of my wife was sudden, shocking and tragic. I did not see it coming. She was the “anchor” of our family, always finding ways to interact and guide, particularly by gentle coaching of our five grandchildren.
As one important approach to provide a lasting tribute to the memory and legacy of my wife, I decided to create a “Memorial Album” of her life starting at age 3 and continuing through our 50 years of marriage. Actually, during the last three years we spent time together going through old scrapbooks. Except for those digital images taken in the last 7 years or so, all were from Kodak or Polaroid prints. The older pictures are particularly interesting.
With the incredible help of my brother Bill and his wife, as well as astute editing by my son and daughter (who were all looking over Bill’s shoulder on my iMac at our Carmel home) this Memorial Album was completed in time for the launch of this site. I hope it helps to convey that I loved her, enjoyed her company and why she was my “best friend”.
I’ll love you forever, Joanne …
Fred
Click here to visit Joanne's Memorial Album
Link to Tributes on the Monterey Herald website : Link to Tributes on The Paul Mortuary website
Please scroll down to see more tributes
Tributes
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July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
Missed you, as you were on my mind most of the day yesterday. Happy Birthday Dear Joanne.
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
My heart still aches for you miss you love you Nan
February 19, 2023
February 19, 2023
Miss you love Nan
February 19, 2023
February 19, 2023
Remembering all that you left us with, Joanne.
Love,
Joan
Love,
Joan
February 19, 2023
February 19, 2023
Your family is growing and prospering. How proud you must be of your children and grands and a great on its way. It will be exciting to have a little one to continue your legacy. I'm sure you will be looking over this baby. I continue to miss you.
July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and all the times we were together . Miss ya love Nan
February 20, 2022
February 20, 2022
Love you and miss you !!!!!
February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022
Joanne, I lit the candle Ineke made in your honor…thinking of the fun times we had …and your sweet smile
February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022
11 years missed. Love you Joanne.
February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022
Joanne, thinking of you in a special way today. Your spirit is strong and I miss you.
Love, Joan
Love, Joan
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
Another year your still in my heart love Nan
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
Happy Birthday Big Sis.
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
Gone from us for now, but never forgotten.
Love,
Joan
Love,
Joan
February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021
Miss you much love,Nan
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
I will never stop remembering you.
Love,
Joan
Love,
Joan
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Hard to believe it's been 10 years. Writing last year, no one could foresee the pandemic crisis of Covid 19, and the political discourse that pulled friends and family apart. I would have loved to have shared conversations with you. Miss you Big Sister.
February 19, 2020
February 19, 2020
miss you-love,nan
February 19, 2020
February 19, 2020
Joanne, last year was the BIG birthday, and yet, I do know that you are being celebrated today with pals that have joined you, as well as those who are here remembering you, the " Special One" that you were!! You have a beautiful family, doing well which is the greatest tribute one could ask for! Thinking of you with love. Joan
February 19, 2020
February 19, 2020
Dear Joanne,
Miss you. Have been fortunate to see your grand-daughter a lot recently. Alexa is a good godmother keeping in touch with her, and Laurel visits from NYC often. You would be VERY proud of her maturity and accomplishments. The boys are doing well too, but visits with them are not as frequent, so we are blessd to have Laurel on the East coast. There's a part of me that knows you are aware of all the dynamics among those you left behind, and you don't need me to write you, but it sure feels good to do so. It is hard to think that you have been gone 9 years. Again, miss you.
Miss you. Have been fortunate to see your grand-daughter a lot recently. Alexa is a good godmother keeping in touch with her, and Laurel visits from NYC often. You would be VERY proud of her maturity and accomplishments. The boys are doing well too, but visits with them are not as frequent, so we are blessd to have Laurel on the East coast. There's a part of me that knows you are aware of all the dynamics among those you left behind, and you don't need me to write you, but it sure feels good to do so. It is hard to think that you have been gone 9 years. Again, miss you.
February 19, 2019
February 19, 2019
Dearest Joanne
You’ve been on my mind a lot! As a matter of fact, I’ve had your candle on my dresser all of February thinking of you. I miss our visits and giggles on so many subjects. I’m always thinking “ What would Joanne say about this?” So much has changed in these last 8 years! I’m sure we’d have plenty to laugh about. I was cleaning out the other day and found a folder of all the sweet cards you sent.... Valentines was your favorite day... I know you must be so proud of your beautiful grandchildren... and that Laurel! Give my best to Foster... miss you
Dianne
You’ve been on my mind a lot! As a matter of fact, I’ve had your candle on my dresser all of February thinking of you. I miss our visits and giggles on so many subjects. I’m always thinking “ What would Joanne say about this?” So much has changed in these last 8 years! I’m sure we’d have plenty to laugh about. I was cleaning out the other day and found a folder of all the sweet cards you sent.... Valentines was your favorite day... I know you must be so proud of your beautiful grandchildren... and that Laurel! Give my best to Foster... miss you
Dianne
February 19, 2019
February 19, 2019
Love you Joanne-Hope you and Foster are sharing fist bumps---Love,Nan
February 19, 2019
February 19, 2019
Thinking of you today, as always Joanne. You were an amazing woman in all ways! Thank you for that.
Love,
Joan
Love,
Joan
July 21, 2018
July 21, 2018
Miss you -Love,Nan
February 19, 2018
February 19, 2018
Joanne, you taught us so much, and left us with many gifts that take us to good memories each time you are remembered. We miss you a great deal and think of you often. Much love, Joan
February 20, 2017
February 20, 2017
A silent Retreat got in my way yesterday!! Matt and I had five days and it was " glorious " done on Thomas Merton. I know you of all people understand!! So today is the day to say that I am thinking of you today, and many days, with love and smiles. You are missed, Joanne. Much love, Joan
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017
Joanne my love,
Its now 6 years since you left us.
The 19th of February is always hard for me.
You know that I still love you
dearly. Yet I need to also move on with my life.
Thanks for all the fond memories.
Love, Fred
Its now 6 years since you left us.
The 19th of February is always hard for me.
You know that I still love you
dearly. Yet I need to also move on with my life.
Thanks for all the fond memories.
Love, Fred
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017
Joanne-Please give my dear sweet Foster ahug and kiss from me-Love,Nan
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017
You are missed and never forgotten. You were not here to tell me how turning 70 was going to feel. So, I am winging it. Love you Sister.
July 21, 2016
July 21, 2016
Joanne
It's now been over 5 years since you left us. Your whole family
still misses you deeply. And so do your friends.
I still love you, even though
I have "moved on with my life".
Your husband, Fred.
It's now been over 5 years since you left us. Your whole family
still misses you deeply. And so do your friends.
I still love you, even though
I have "moved on with my life".
Your husband, Fred.
July 20, 2016
July 20, 2016
Thought of you several times today. Took out my kayak for a solo ride, watched eagles sore over my head, and a heron was startled by my appearance, just as I decided the black raspberries were not quite ready for picking. I mentioned to my friends today that today was your birthday, and we celebrated you. I now sit on the porch of my favorite location on the Sassafras, and think of you as the day draws to an end here on the East Coast. You are my big sister, and I miss you.
July 20, 2016
July 20, 2016
Joanne-Gus and I sat on your bench yesterday looking at the wonderful beach-we miss ya-Happy B-day-Love,Nan
July 20, 2016
July 20, 2016
Hi Joanne,
We are celebrating you today!! I know that Puccini will be singing a Happy Birthday rendition to you on this beautiful day!!! I think of you often and still feel your loveliness!!
Love, Joan
We are celebrating you today!! I know that Puccini will be singing a Happy Birthday rendition to you on this beautiful day!!! I think of you often and still feel your loveliness!!
Love, Joan
February 19, 2016
February 19, 2016
Joanne, angel that you are, you have showered many blessings on your family.You are loved, you are missed. You put a smile on our faces.
Love, Joan
Love, Joan
February 19, 2016
February 19, 2016
Joanne-Another year and still greatly missed-Love,Nan
February 19, 2016
February 19, 2016
My Love,
It's now five years since you left me. It will be an emotional day for me.
I'm rebuilding my own life, but our love, in its own way will endure
foreover. Our five grandchildren often comment about our wonderful times together.
Love, Fred
It's now five years since you left me. It will be an emotional day for me.
I'm rebuilding my own life, but our love, in its own way will endure
foreover. Our five grandchildren often comment about our wonderful times together.
Love, Fred
February 19, 2016
February 19, 2016
Remembering you dear sister. I love you!
July 22, 2015
July 22, 2015
Joanne, I sure miss you saying "I like it!"
July 22, 2015
July 22, 2015
Joanne, I sure miss you saying "I like it!"
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
Joanne-I talk to you daily as Gus and I walk past your bench--Miss ya Much love-Nan
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
Happy Birthday to you, Joanne! Hope you get and can feel my love for you. Miss you and think of you often. Was talking about you extensively last week. It is still hard to use the past tense in those conversations. You still are my favorite sister. :)
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015
I know Joanne, that you hit the ground running there!! I also know that there is a big celebration going on for you today; you were always a well loved girl!! Thinking of you today in a special way. Happy Birthday to you!!! Love, Joan
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
It is now four years to the day since I lost Joanne.
Although I have to move on with my life, I still
think of her often. I miss you, love.
Fred
Although I have to move on with my life, I still
think of her often. I miss you, love.
Fred
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
Joanne-Much love-Miss ya -Nan
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
Thinking of you Joanne in a special way today, with fond memories,
admiration and love. You are missed in a very "big " way, yet your presence is felt and you will always be remembered..
With my love, Joan
admiration and love. You are missed in a very "big " way, yet your presence is felt and you will always be remembered..
With my love, Joan
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
Joanne, four years since our last visit and I still miss you. You were a dear friend and traveling buddy. Sending lots and love and fond memories your way.
July 20, 2014
July 20, 2014
Joanne-I will always think of you and miss you-Love Nan
July 20, 2014
July 20, 2014
Joanne, we do miss you! We will especially miss you this summer when Dianne and Ted show up in Carmel in their new Airstream RV. You always wanted an Airstream trailer so we know you will be similing when they show up in their Airstream.
Love, Foster
Love, Foster
July 20, 2014
July 20, 2014
Hello to My Sister, Joanne.
Spent time with your son, David and his family most recently. David and Shelley so kindly entertained Shawn, his daughter, Maia, and me for a week. Maia saw much of the place you loved and called home. Saw Fred in Carmel, with a ride to a lovely restaurant down toward Big Sur. Your presence was felt and you were missed. Your home still has the touch of quality and beauty of which you were so proud. I love you, Joanne. You were not supposed to die.
Spent time with your son, David and his family most recently. David and Shelley so kindly entertained Shawn, his daughter, Maia, and me for a week. Maia saw much of the place you loved and called home. Saw Fred in Carmel, with a ride to a lovely restaurant down toward Big Sur. Your presence was felt and you were missed. Your home still has the touch of quality and beauty of which you were so proud. I love you, Joanne. You were not supposed to die.
February 19, 2014
February 19, 2014
Fred and family,
Joanne's presence is still very vivid, and her spirit is alive in a lovely serene way, just so like her. Thinking of Joanne, and all of you with warm thoughts and love. Be Blessed......Joan
Joanne's presence is still very vivid, and her spirit is alive in a lovely serene way, just so like her. Thinking of Joanne, and all of you with warm thoughts and love. Be Blessed......Joan
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
February 20
February 20
Another year without you miss ya love Nan
July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
Missed you, as you were on my mind most of the day yesterday. Happy Birthday Dear Joanne.
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
My heart still aches for you miss you love you Nan
Gallery
Hard to believe it is ten years. Sending LOVE!
Alexa got a dog. You would LOVE Otis! Miss you.
Happy Birthday, Joanne.
This showed up on Facebook today. Miss you Joanne.
Play yard at St. Lawrence School, Catasauqua, PA. I am "guessing" 1943. I miss you Joanne.
Joanne's Garden April 2010--I miss you!
JoanneDaffodils
Joanne's Garden 2008
OnDeath
Recent stories
February 19, 2014
Remember the pride Joanne had in her lovely garden around the house in Carmel? I loved taking photos of her accomplishments when I visited, and use this one often as a greeting card photo. It makes me think of her often.
Spring and Daffodils
February 23, 2013
by Bill O'Such
Ineke and I were walking through Golden Gate park last Sunday and stumbled across these daffodils and immediately thought of Joanne. Love, Bill & Ineke.
February 20, 2013
by Nan Nelson
Joanne-another year-still missed greatly. I was remembering the night you,Gracey,Carol and I followed the bagpipers in town-then home for drinks and soup-Oh I miss those times--Much Love,Nan