Mark Rebec
Nicole Rebec
Joanne Rita Woods died peacefully in her home with her two children beside her on April 3, 2023 at the age of 75. A San Gabriel Valley native, Joanne worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for most of her life, where she entertained colleagues with practical jokes and madcap contests and brought her beloved children to see what wonders a career as a county civil servant in the 1990s held. Upon retirement, she attended the Nick Harris Detective Academy and went on to fulfill a lifelong dream of investigating philanderers, fraudsters, shut-ins, sell-outs, sex-fiends, and racketeers. She later served as caretaker and secretary at the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, a prominent ladies’ philanthropic organization where face-lifts, prenups and bridge rankings were the currencies of the day.
After being diagnosed with cancer in late 2015 and entering remission in early 2016, Joanne found a new lease on life and a big thirst for the outrageous. She went skydiving in Camarillo, zip-lining in Costa Rica, car racing in Irwindale and horseback riding in Hollywood–all with a smile on her face and a zest for life in her heart. With her outgoing personality and contagious charm, Joanne curated a diverse and dynamic group of friends who loved helping her fulfill her own brand of crazy. She loved animals, art deco design, architecture, classic films, croquet and Oscar Wilde.
Joanne is survived by her ex-husband, Franc Rebec; her son, Mark Rebec; her daughter, Nicole Rebec; her three cats, Lila, Monkey, and Smokey; her five grand-cats, Louise, Milo, Otis, Romeo and Schmidty; and the countless friends and family members who knew and loved her. She will be remembered as a free spirit, a caring friend and a daring adventurer.
Her family extend a warm and welcome invitation to all who are able to join in celebrating her life. As Joanne expressed her desire to be cremated, a memorial service will be held on June 3, 2023 from 2:00 – 5:00pm at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena (270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105). We ask that all guests utilize the complimentary valet parking on site (tipping is optional). Refreshments and light food will be served.
Her family extend a warm and welcome invitation to all who are able to join in celebrating her life. As Joanne expressed her desire to be cremated, a memorial service will be held on June 3, 2023 from 2:00 – 5:00pm at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena (270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105). We ask that all guests utilize the complimentary valet parking on site (tipping is optional). Refreshments and light food will be served.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Joanne’s love for the earth and animals, feel free to PLANT TREES IN MEMORIAL via THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION: https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-in-memory
Please send all written correspondence to
Mark and Nicole Rebec
338 S. Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena, Ca 91101.
If you use Facebook, you can also visit https://facebook.com/events/s/in-memoriam-joanne-woods/964483771400081/ to rsvp, leave a message or support for the family, or share a special memory of Joanne.
