Joan D. D'Addea

Joan (pronounced JoAnne) D’Addea (Smith) passed away at the age of 93 in Carmel, California on August 15, 2021, with family by her side. Most recently referred to as “Jo”, “JoJo” and “Nanu”, she embraced a sense of humor and fabulous attitude of pure gratitude and positivity throughout her life.

Born in Gary, Indiana in 1928 to Oliver and Mabel Smith, she developed a love of tap dancing in her early years, was voted “most popular” by her classmates, and enjoyed lifelong friendships with her extended family and friends “The Shades”. It was her father’s desire to move out West and away from cold winters that prompted their relocation to Arizona where she attended Arizona State College (University) in Tempe, Arizona. There she joined the Gamma Phi Bet Sorority and met her future husband, Patrick J. D’Addea (“Mr. D”) at a fraternity sorority event. Married for over 50 years, the two of them graduated from ASU and went on to start their own family in Arizona.

Jo’s sparkling blue eyes prompted the endearing nick name “Sparky” which was reflective of her personality and their support for ASU athletics (Sparky was the school’s mascot at the time). Three children and numerous careers later, Jo never lost her love of Tom Selleck, Snickers candy bars, black coffee, and tap dancing, which she continued long after she retired from her civil service career with the Army National Guard.

Jo moved to Monterey to be closer to her daughter after her husband’s death in 2010. It was not uncommon to hear Jo say, “Moving to Monterey is like dying and going to Heaven” and for Jo, the Monterey Peninsula was Heaven. If she wasn’t walking her beloved dog, Gertie, around Monterey and Pacific Grove, she was practicing her tap routines or sewing costumes for an upcoming performance. Performing for others… wherever, whenever possible (ASC, Gotta Dance, ShowTime, Tip Top Dancers, and Tap Bananas).

Her infectious laugh, witty sense of humor and fun-loving nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Jo is survived by her three children, Kelly (Steve) Ellman, Patrick K. D’Addea, Becky (Dan) Jones, and two beautiful granddaughters, Brooke, and Hanna. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick J. D’Addea, and her parents Oliver and Mabel Smith.

The family would like to thank Jobani, Cheryl, and Yolanda, caretakers at Cottages of Carmel for their eternal kindness and Peace of Mind Dog Rescue for all that they do when you need them the most. In lieu of flowers, Jo would want you to support Peace of Mind Rescue or your local dance group and encourage one another to never stop doing what you enjoy.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.