Joan Tate Dominguez

Joan spent her childhood years in South Carolina and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1948.

Shortly after that she married and had 3 children. In 1959, she relocated to California with her children in tow and her mother driving across country in a 1957 Ford. She only had $75 when she arrived in Southern California. Joan and her family stayed with her sister, Margaret and brother-in-law Curt until she started employment.

Joan's first job was at Alcoa Aluminum as a Secretary for Superintendent of the Foundry. Alcoa is where Joan met her future husband, Benjamin Dominguez. Ben made several attempts to date Joan before she finally accepted the date. Joan and Ben were married on March 17, 1962 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, NV.

Then Joan and Ben, mother, Willie, and the children purchased a home in Norwalk. She lived in this house for 51 years and created many memories with her family and friends.

After marrying Ben, Joan quit work at Alcoa and became employed at Rockwell International. At Rockwell, she was an Administrative Assistant who was involved in all the Apollo Space Program, including the moon landing. Also she worked on the Space Shuttle Program from the beginning until she retired.

Joan thoroughly enjoyed her retirement with Ben. They traveled to Rosarito Beach, Mexico often and to Del Mar Beach in California where they had condos. They also took various cruises. Her children and grandchildren accompanied her on many of these trips. Traveling was a favorite pastime activity.

Joan was involved in many functions at the First Baptist Church of Bellflower, where she developed many lifelong friendships. She also treasured her Red Hat sisters and their numerous events. Joan always shared the pictures from their various functions. Joan also volunteered at the Norwalk Senior Center until her health deteriorated.

Joan really enjoyed going out to lunch with family and friends. She sure loved a delicious meal. Her favorite meal was probably "a prime rib sandwich" from Black Angus. Her appetite remained strong and the last outing in Tennessee ended up at "Captain D's" for shrimp and hush puppies.

Joan lived a joyful, rewarding life and was loved by many. She will certainly be missed. She now rejoices with Ben, Christie, Nathan, her parents, brothers, sisters and many friends in Heaven.