Joan Charlene Cieloha was born at Emanuel Hospital to Joseph and Matilda Guerrera. When Joan was a toddler her father passed away and her mother remarried. She was known as Joan Stronach during her school years. Joan attended Joseph Lane Grade School and Franklin High School.
Joan was married to Leon Cieloha on September 1, 1952. They had three children (Randy, Richard, Lori) and Joan was very proud and protective of her family. She was also thrilled with the births of her three grandchildren and she truly enjoyed watching them grow up, go to college and become young adults.
First and foremost, Joan was a mother and a homemaker. In the 70’s, she sold Home Interiors and after that worked several years at Casual Corner. Around the house, she was very organized and detail-oriented. She loved shopping, decorating and helping others decorate. Joan was very sociable and loved getting together with friends. Her close group of friends had many adventures. They often met at Poncho’s, Country Kitchen, held “burrito parties”, went on vacations together (Mexico, Lake Shasta). The children fondly remember road trips to Burbank, CA to see Joan’s good friends Florence, Dutch and daughter Evelyn. Joan also enjoyed meeting new people and learning all about them. At every store she had a favorite clerk. At every restaurant there was a favorite waiter/waitress.
Joan passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter by her side. She fought a difficult battle with COPD and emphysema for many years. Since 1996, she had been hospitalized and intubated four times. Each time she fought her way back to health and amazed her family, friends and doctors. Thank you to Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Barker for your professional help and especially your personal friendship over the years.
Joan was always indebted to the Stroud family for their love and support during her early years. To this day, Joan considered Joyce Stroud Gago her oldest and dearest friend.
She is survived by her husband, Leon; half-sister Diane (Ed); children Randy (Liz), Rick, Lori (Shelley); grandchildren Ty, Colin and Brianne. The family wishes to thank the caregivers that provided comfort, support, love and care over the past six months - Kim, Marilyn, Linda, Cindy, Judy and Helen.
The family is having a private internment. There will be a celebration of Joan’s life on August 8th from 4pm to 7pm at Eastmoreland Golf Course.
Please visit the guestbook and portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.
Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 97229
(503) 292-6611
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