JoAnn Lucille Hamel

Born on October 12, 1953, she was known for her outgoing personality, loving heart, and her perseverance. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving family: husband, Paul Hamel; three children Jennifer Villanueva, Jeffrey Hamel, Polly Hamel; five grandchildren; sisters, Lorraine Panto and Diana Bennett. JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents Lillian and Fernand Boulanger; brothers, Robert Boulanger and Edward Boulanger; and daughter, Kimberly Hamel.

JoAnn's life was characterized by her deep love and passion for her family, strong connection to God, and her ability to do anything she could for the people she loved. She will be remembered for her strong will and heart of gold.

JoAnn was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School, Class of 1971. She and Paul married the following year in 1972. They relocated their family to the central California area in 1977 where they raised their family and lived until her death. She was a school secretary for twenty-five years at several schools in Merced, CA. Her love and passion for the job is what made her loved by colleagues, parents, and students. Some of JoAnn’s favorite pastimes were spending time with her family, searching the web for anything she could get her grandkids, and convincing anyone of what needed to be done.

A mass will be held on October 24, 2024, 11am, at St. Patrick’s Church 673 E Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA. She will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, CA. In the meantime, condolences may be added and sent through this website.