Joanne Louise Pease

January 20, 1927 – July 16, 2025

Unlike many of the mysteries Joanne liked to read, the story of the life of Joanne Louise Pease has a very happy ending.

Joanne and identical twin Jeanne did everything together. As teens they often dressed alike. One night at a church party near USC they played a trick on Jeanne’s future husband – Keith Turner. Keith was befuddled when he brought a drink to Joanne. He intended it for Jeanne after dancing with her, but the twins had switched seats. The next time Keith met with them, he solved the problem. He brought along his USC and Navy buddy – a guy named Norm. June 24,1947 was a special day on the Pasadena social calendar: The double wedding of identical twins at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church to two World War II heroes.

Joanne and Jeanne raised their families in Whittier California, within a mile of each other. Joanne and Norm had the girls – Nancy and Donna. Jeanne and Keith had the boys – Bruce and Dean. Many weekend adventures were shared in a family mountain cabin near Running Springs.

Many years later Joanne and Norm celebrated the separate weddings of their daughters to a couple of guys From Columbus Ohio – Craig Baumbusch and Dave Hess. More great times followed over the years with grandkids, with friends, with family or just quiet time alone. Joanne loved her travels with Norm all over the country and all over the world, usually traveling with or visiting with friends and family.

Joanne enjoyed cooking, gardening and teaching preschool. She and friend Frannie Stein pioneered Mommie and Me classes in south Orange County.

The gift of a long life comes with many highs and lows. Through it all, Joanne always had that smile. The passing of many friends and relatives, illness, accidents, job difficulties, family problems are all part of the walk. Joanne’s outlook on life never changed - The sun WILL come up tomorrow. Her faith in God and in people was reflected in her frequently saying “There are no bad people, just good people doing bad things.” She had a contagious sense of humor and was a good ear when you needed one.

Her last years were inspiring to all who were around her. She worked hard, played hard and ate like a horse! At 98 she was still having her hair and nails done, had to visit the dentist for a crown, was playing bingo and computer games, watched a daily movie at 3:00, did her PT exercises, and talked daily with friends and family. Her caregivers loved her because she seldom complained and befriended the other residents.

Joanne was a second mom to everyone, including this writer. We celebrate her life and follow her example, even as we miss her mischievous smile.

Her last words in a 2016 updated life story: “Remember to first enjoy life. Value your family now. Love people as they are and forgive.”