Joan Marie Ricci, 85, of Sonoma, passed away on December 24, 2020, after a short battle with pneumonia. Joan was born on August 27, 1935, to Jean DeDomenico Mancuso and Peter Mancuso in San Francisco. 

Joan Marie Ricci is part of the DeDomenico family who owned Rice A Roni and Ghirardelli in San Francisco. Her mother was one of the six siblings. Her mother’s brothers inherited both factories cutting her out. Despite the family Joan was an amazing cook, a loving wife, mother, and daughter to her family. She was always a happy woman who quietly struggled with schizophrenia. Shortly after Joan and her sister were born, the family moved to Sonoma and built a motel making a name for themselves with the Mancuso Motel on Hwy 12. Joan helped her father and became a pillar of the community. She worked hard and made sure that her family was taken care of. Joan Ricci was a very trusting woman, who always wanted to make sure everyone was happy. She put everyone before her as she was a selfless woman who yearned for happiness, joy, and security. 

After graduating from Sonoma Valley in [the Class of 1952], our father Emile L. Ricci, whose family is part of the Sebastiani Family, courted Joan. The two fell in love and when Emil proposed she said yes. She got married to my father Emile L. Ricci when she was 21 years old. The newlyweds moved to Guerneville, California and a year later her daughter Angela was born. Joan met Emile Ricci in school, before he went off to war. When he came back after a few years, he asked her father for her hand in marriage. Emile courted Joan and in 1957, they wed in Sonoma on April 27, 1957, going on to have two children, Angela, and Peter Ricci. When Joan had Angela, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Joan excelled at propping up [her mother and cousins] and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. 

Joan was an active member of the St Francis Solano Catholic Church in Sonoma, She participated in the women’s club, and The Sons of Italy. She was one of the kindest, most loving, and caring women in the community. Her smile was infectious, and her laugh lit up a room. Joan made it her mission to improve the lives of others. Joan was an enthusiastic of art, crafting and dance when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, She is survived by her daughter Angela Ricci, and son Peter Ricci. The family requests that all donations and notes are sent to 773 Ernest Dr. Sonoma, Ca. 95476. Due to the untimely occurrence of COVID, Joan M. Ricci’s celebration of live was postponed until April 27, 2022, where she was surrounded by loved ones. We got to speak on many great times with our mom and hear stories from her friends that were able to attend. 

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