Joanna Marie Avalli died on Thursday, May 5, 2005, after a
courageous battle with cancer. She was 62.
Joanna Marie Avalli died on Thursday, May 5, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 62.
Joanna passed away peacefully at her home overlooking her yard, where her grandchildren were playing.
She was the daughter of Fred and Mary Avalli; the sister of Mario, Fred and the late Louis Avalli; the mother of Gina, Tom and Michael Annotti; the grandmother of Bianca, Sophia, Dante, Mateo, Vito and Angelo.
She was born and raised in Hollister; attended local schools and graduated from Palma High School and the College Of Notre Dame, Belmont.
Joanna was a sixth grade teacher at Maze Middle School in Hollister, where her passion was teaching the second language learners and helping them achieve and master English. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and gambling. Quarter slots were her specialty; a quick trip to Las Vegas with her gambling partners could never be passed up.
“She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend,” said her family.
Friends are invited to a Mass of the Resurrection and a celebration of Joanna’s’ life at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, at Fifth and College streets in Hollister, on Friday, May 13 at 11am, followed by a fiesta at her home. Memorials are preferred to the Sacred Heart School c/o Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St. in Hollister.
