News

I take strenuous exception to Lisa Pampuch's column of May 20.

Joan M. Lacasa passed away at her residence May 22nd after a courageous battle against cancer. Joan was a life long resident of Hollister, attended San Benito High School, where she was a cheerleader, and graduated from Beauty Colleges both in Salinas and San Jose. Upon her graduation, Joan purchased Yolanda's Hair Salon from Yolanda Gulli which was located on San Benito Street, renamed her salon to Joan's Lacasa Bella and moved her business to the Paine Building on Fifth Street. Her clientle grew to the point that besides herself her shop had 10 beauty operators. In addition to her talents as a beautician, Joan was a recognized model in the Bay Area, especially at the Holiday time, as she modeled for many of the major department stores. She was knowledgeable about the very best fashions as well as clothing styles at the time. As a hobby Joan enjoyed decorating her home and helping others to do the same. During this time she also obtained her real estate license and was associated with several Realtors in San Benito County.