Joan B. Mackowiak

Joan Bertha Mackowiak first came into this world April 24, 1930 at the Queen of Angels Hospital, in Los Angeles, California. Born to Alfred and Leah Jacky, Joan was a first generation American, the second child, and sister to her older brother Al, and her younger brother Richard. Joan and Jim, who would become her life- long companion, best friend and ultimately husband, grew up on the same hill on Mount Washington. They attended the same nearby church, Devine Savior, in Los Angeles. Their love continued to grow as they both became very active in the local snow ski club, deepening their bond as well as developing fun memories and lasting friendships; which would last for over 60 years.

Jim and Joan married on August 6, 1955 during a day of record breaking southern California heat, and after their reception, traveled them up the cooler Pacific coast to Carmel; for their honeymoon. A year later they had their firstborn, Ken, and within the following year, their daughter Marie and three years later, their daughter Marguerite. There was never a happier grandmother the day that Joshua and Jacob were born. Joan always said she was blessed by God to have such a wonderful man for a husband her Kenny whom she adored, daughters and son-in-laws, and the two wonderful growing grandsons.

Joan loved to travel, exploring many wonderful places. Equally, she had a passion for the adventure of hunting treasures in the antique and thrift stores, and the thrill of finding that special “jewel.” She also enjoyed volunteer work visiting the sick and elderly however one of her favorite volunteer activities was the working at the White Elephant booth at the church bazar. She also spent time making many kinds of crafts and cake decorating. Joan was a Bluebird and Camp Fire Girl leader, a PTA mom, a Baldwin Stocker room mom, and a voting precinct officer for many years. She also was an advocate for equal education rights for all handicap children to gain entry to the school system during 1960’s.

Joan loved all kinds of animals; especially dogs. She had a green thumb and could grow anything, especially flowers. Watching hummingbirds out of the kitchen window was a delight to her and “anything” with a “sparkle” caught her eye, particularly diamonds.

Joan held a deep faith in the promise of the Lord, Jesus. Joan loved reading the Word of God and enjoyed visiting with people about Jesus. She went to many women’s Aglow meetings and other bible studies. She also sang in the church choir; and sang at the nursing home where her mom was at Santa Terisita Nursing Home for many years. Joan lived a full and blessed life being a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, god mother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She could talk to anyone; being a stranger to no one she met.

Joan is forever in our hearts and we will miss her twinkle in her eyes and the tender “I love you” that was a normal part of our conversations. We miss her dearly, but we know she is safely home! We have deeply felt her love for us throughout our years and we feel blessed to be part of her life. We thank God for the sweet memories we have now to reflect on and cherish.