Today, with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Joan Lila Holmes. Today, we also ask that you celebrate her life. She touched the lives of so many and was generous beyond measure. She was stubborn and strong, gracious and kind, creative and talented.

She enjoyed many craft projects, created beautiful Beaded Ming Trees, Tri-Chemed hundreds of pieces, designed and decorated cakes for all occasions, and sewed award winning quilts.

Family was very important, and she loved to host family gatherings. Easter Sunday was among her favorites, with a guest list of 75 plus. Christmas Eve she hosted with immediate family.

Joan was passionate about her “fur babies” and requested that her ashes be spread with her two most beloved dogs Schotzi and Sassy, along the Truckee River of the Lake Tahoe Ranch. She also loved a long list of other pets including her birds, horses, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, cow, and llamas.

She loved to travel. She explored places like Norway, Finland, Sweden, Mexico, Canada, all of the State and National Parks in California as well as many of the western United States.

Following high school, Joan worked to earn her cosmetology license, which she used to put her husband through college. After years of being a beautician her career went in a whole new direction. She started as a Folsom Police dispatcher and was promoted to Chief Secretary. From there, this brave woman ventured into the prison system ending out her career at Pelican Bay Prison where she retired.

In her last years, although she lived with Alzheimer’s, she loved and treasured every moment she shared with her family and visitors. Her smile lit up a room and made everyone smile around her. Her favorite outings were Sunday brunches at Mimi’s Café where she enjoyed a good omelette and a spicy Bloody Mary. She enjoyed evenings with chocolate and a glass of wine and listening to her favorite music.

Joan Lila Holmes, age 78, passed away Friday December 31, 2021. She is survived by her children, Anna Chism and Blair Holmes; Grandchildren, Jamie Amber, Chelsea Renee, Kristin, Hjordis Elise, and Vann Lee; Great Grandchildren, Marley Robyn, Taylor Marie, Analise and Mateo; Husband, Robin; Father, Joseph Stastney; sisters, DeAnn and Yvonne; and numerous cousins, held dear. Joan was predeceased by her Mother, Hjordis Lila.

She was born in Duluth, MN, and relocated to Sacramento, CA where she graduated from La Sierra High School and met her husband. They resided in Folsom, CA for 32 years, where they raised their children, before relocating to Brookings, OR. Joan lived the last 3 years in Round Rock, TX, with her daughter and grandchildren and great grandchildren.