Dear Family and Friends,
Our amazing mother Joan passed away peacefully with family at her side on August 6th. We are filled with sorrow but comforted by a life so well lived with an over-abundance of love. These last few years were filled with adventure and her “bucket list” was completed, including last year’s trip to the fjords in Norway and this year’s trip to the Bahamas with her brother Phil and his wife Chiquis on Chris and Bob’s boat.
It’s hard to believe it was 2 1/2 years ago that Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. For two of those years she was unstoppable, traveling the world and continuing to entertain guests in her beautiful home on the North Shore. The last few months, she lived in Santa Barbara to be close to all her California relatives including her grandchildren, baby great-granddaughter, and step great-grandchildren. She was also the adopted grandmother to many close family friends. The Bebb and Bohm families in the Bay Area were able to visit often, and Phil and Chiquis were with us at her side as she passed away.
A note she received from friends a few months ago said it best in describing her: “Your courage, dignity, wonderful humor and incredible inner strength are giving all of us who know you such an awesome example to try to emulate as we face hardships in our own lives.” Another dear friend in Seattle arranged for a star to be named in her honor , so soon you will be able to look up the location of the constellation with the Joan C. Bebb star in the International Star Registry.
We will deeply miss her warm smile, wit, charm and grace. She genuinely cared about other people’s lives and always valued her lifetime friendships. She always loved well and was well-loved in return.
There will be two memorial services for Joan; one in California and one in Hawaii. The service in Santa Barbara will be held on August 29 at All Saints-by-the Sea Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. followed by a “Celebration of Joan” at the Emmons' home.
Another celebration honoring our beloved mother will be held on her beach at the North Shore of Oahu on September 26 at 5:00 p.m. so we can enjoy one of the sunsets she so treasured.
If you would like to send a donation in her honor rather than flowers, please consider the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse Hospice Care, the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara or one of the many organizations she supported including the Smile Train.
Many thanks for the love and friendship you gave her.
Her loving children,
Chris, Laurie and Simon
