Joan Marie Sive

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved family member, Joan Marie Sive. At the age of 90, Joan passed away on November 9, 2024, in South Yarmouth, MA, coincidentally on her mother Rosa Wolbert's birthday. Joan was born on June 2, 1934, in Riverside, NJ, to Rosa and Horace Goodfellow, and she was later raised by her mother and beloved stepfather, Donald Wolbert.

Joan was truly one of a kind. She was always intellectually ahead of her time. Moreover, she was fiercely dedicated to her family, close friends, and patients.

As a nurse anesthetist, Joan specialized in pediatric care. In 1959, she met her future husband, Eugene B. Sive, MD, in an elevator at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. They married two weeks later, beginning a partnership that lasted until his passing in 1984. Together, they shared passions for charitable work, family travels in their motorhome, and bridge tournaments.

Joan was mother to Jonathan Sive, Liana Sive (fka Geoffrey Sive), Valerie Sive-Ramirez, and Barkley Sive. She embraced her role as stepmother to Edith Angela and Eugene B. Sive, Jr. Joan was blessed with 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Joan’s home reflected her love of family, cooking, and entertaining. Music was central to her life; she played both organ and piano, taking up lessons again later in life. Joan’s faithful dog Chopin was a constant companion in her later years.

Joan's commitment to service showed through her extensive work with the Scouting program. She balanced her dedication to faith, service, and family throughout her life. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and infant daughter, Baby Girl Sive. Joan is survived by her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to your local animal shelter in Joan’s name. We know she would love nothing more than to help a homeless animal as her last act of kindness.

Her celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.