Joan (Gavan) Schneidermann

Joan, known to some as ‘Joni’, was born on June 3rd, 1946, in Brighton Massachusetts to Walter and Dorothy (Mullen) Gavan. She graduated from Saint Columbkille School in 1964 and was the Vice President of her class. As a child she loved spending time with her siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles as well as many friends. She also spoke fondly of summer trips to Cape Cod. Joan attended dance classes as a young girl and later played on her school’s high school basketball team. After graduation, she moved to Florida briefly with friends and then to California for work. She enjoyed serval years of working as the Executive Assistant to Hollywood Film Producer, Ray Stark. While working for Ray Stark at Warner Brothers Hollywood Studios, Joan met many celebrities and even dined at Humphrey Bogart’s old Hollywood home. In 1973, Joan met her future husband, Klaus Schneidermann on Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach. They were married the following year on July 12th, 1974, at Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. Together, they lived in Sherman Oaks and loved spending weekends on their sailboat in Marina Del Ray.

In 1979, Joan and Klaus welcomed their little girl, Heidi, into the world. They moved to Covina into what would become their family home for the next twenty-two years. Joan took two years off of work when Heidi was born to stay at home with her and then returned once she was enrolled in preschool. Joan then began a new career working as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of Aerojet in Azusa. She somehow managed to work full-time while also attending every dance and school performance that Heidi had throughout the years. She was always there for the small but important moments that made her the best Mom in the entire world. It was on Navilla Place where many happy memories were made including birthday celebrations, Merry Christmases and family dinners around the table. Sunday breakfasts together were also a favorite as well as afternoons in the backyard by the pool with their loving dogs. Most holidays were shared with Klaus’ parents, Helmut and Ursula Schneidermann (Oma and Opa). Fun family vacations included flying Back East to visit Joan’s family many times throughout the years. Additional trips also included road trips along the California coastline as well as traveling to Hawaii, Florida and New York. There were many years of many small family moments that added up to a beautiful life together.

In 2002, Joan and Klaus moved to Aliso Viejo, where they were able to retire. They enjoyed casual walks, occasional motorcycle rides on their Can-Am, and were blessed with two beautiful granddaughters. Spending time with Dylan as she grew and welcoming Danni into the world were two of Joan’s greatest joys and when she earned her new name as ‘Nana’. Nana loved being around her granddaughters. She especially loved to watch them dance as well as hugging and giggling with them whenever possible. The girls adored time with their warm and fun Nana and will carry her memory with them always.

In 2016, Joan and Klaus moved to Johnstown, Colorado. Their last adventure entailed exploring a new state, where they would spend their remaining years together. They were married for a remarkable fifty-two years.

Joan's parents, Walter and Dorothy (Mullen) Gavan passed away in 1990 &1993, respectively, and her father-in-law Helmut Schneidermann in 2006, mother-in-law Ursula Schneidermann in 2008, her brother Tom Gavan in 2013, and brother-in-law John Burke in 2017.

Joan is survived by her husband Klaus, their daughter Heidi, son-in-law Ty and two beautiful granddaughters, Dylan and Danni. She is also survived by her two wonderful sisters Janice Gavan of Lyons CO and Maureen Thompson of Nashua, NH, her brother-in-law Ed Thompson and sister-in-law Arlene Gavan plus many cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A gathering to honor the life of Joan Schneidermann will be held on April 9th at 10:00 AM at Allnutt Funeral Service- Hunter Chapel located at 2100 N. Lincoln Avenue in Loveland. Joan (Mom, Nana) will live in our hearts forever.