Joan Catherine Kalimanis

She lived an incredibly dedicated life, giving to many causes that bettered humanity in countless ways. Joan was an officer and a director of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation in Palm Desert, California, carrying on the legacy her parents began. She was born in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from San Marino High School before attending Colorado Women’s College.

Joan later married and adopted a son, Richard, who sadly passed away at the age of 26. In time, Joan moved to Arizona and began a new chapter in her life with her late husband, Tom Kalimanis. Together, they shared 18 extraordinary years filled with adventure, traveling all around the world. During that time, they continued to work tirelessly for the Foundation, donating both time and resources to schools, healthcare, and many other meaningful causes to help those in need.

Joan and Tom shared a deep love and respect for our veterans and helped bring many World War II veterans back to the places where they once fought for our country, including Pearl Harbor, Normandy, and Guam.

Throughout her 87 years, Joan touched thousands of lives with her kindness, smile, humor, and generosity. Though she had no blood relatives, she lived as though everyone was a son, daughter, brother, or sister. She often said, “I picked them up” along her wonderful journey through life.

Those of us fortunate enough to call her a friend will be forever grateful. Thank you, Joan, for living a life that truly mattered.

Joan was preceded in death by her son, Richard Auen; her husband, Tom Kalimanis; and her parents, H. Norwood Berger and Frances C. Berger. She is survived by her brother John Berger and his family.