Joan Summer Neill

Born January 14, 1951 in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away peacefully on May 21, 2012 in Citrus Heights, California. To those who knew her, she was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. The family takes solace knowing she is now with her father and mother, Dr. Noel and Juliann Stearn, and brothers, John and Julian. Joan was born the eldest of eight children, and is survived by her daughters Jerusha Leigh DeBattista (Dan) of Henderson, NV and Jessica Winter McGill (James) of Citrus Heights, CA, four beautiful grandchildren Caitlyn and Audrey DeBattista and Aidan and Lily McGill, brothers Jerry Stearn (Silva) of Cool, CA, Joel Stearn (Maria) of Roseville, CA, Jeffry Stearn (Theresa) of Loomis, CA, sisters Jennifer Kootstra (Steve) of Vancouver, WA, June Rovegno (Jeff) of Roseville, CA, and many nieces and nephews.

Joan grew up in Portola Valley, California, graduated from Woodside High School and went on to study at University of Arizona where she met and married Roger Neill. They lived in San Jose for many years where Joan worked for Bank of America and DuPont, before moving to Wright Patterson Air force Base in Dayton, OH where Joan received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Wright State University. Joan also lived on Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, CA and in Fair Oaks, CA where she worked as an Accountant/Controller for many years. After her divorce, she received a Certificate of Achievement from American River College in Early Childhood Education. Joan spent several years as a caregiver to her mother. She was an active volunteer and member of the Sacramento "Beginning Experience" support network, was an avid reader, and a friend to many. Her daughters and grandchildren were her true loves.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Friday June 8th, 1:00 pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628, (916)-969-1251. There will be a Celebration of Life reception following the service. Please contact the family or Mount Vernon Memorial Park for details.