Joan Anne Valdes' Obituary
Born in Brooklyn, New York to Ewald Matutat and Helen Morahan Matutat, Joan was to be the oldest of the family’s three children. After moving to Bayside, New York, Joan graduated from Bayside High School. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area that summer with the family. Joan enrolled at San Jose State University and graduated with a degree in Sociology.
She began her career in Social Work at San Mateo County’s Department of Social Services. During those years she met and married Fernando Valdes, established a home in Newark, California and gave birth to their son Kendall. In the mid 70’s, they moved to the San Diego area, buying a home in Jamul. In an interim from social work, Joan applied her substantial cooking skills, winning prizes at the County Fair and running a small catering business. Following their divorce, Joan moved her home to Spring Valley and subsequently to Escondido. She reentered her social work career, working for San Diego County until her retirement.
Joan traveled the globe including trips to Cuba and China and multiple trips to Ireland to visit cousins and the heritage of her grandparents. While home she enjoyed time visiting with family and friends, crocheting, composing photo albums, volunteering at Interfaith Community Services in Escondido, attending performances at the Old Globe Theater, and dancing the salsa.
Joan is survived by her son Kendall, siblings Eileen McLaughlin and Bob Matutat, sister-in-law Wilma Matutat, her aunt, Irene Urquhart, nieces and nephew Susan McLaughlin, Kate McLaughlin, Cristin Hackel, Mike Matutat and Molly Matutat and well-loved cousins near and far.
The family especially wants to extend our deep appreciation for Joan’s care to Connie Zavela, Arlene Langston, cousins Renee and Gary Bonner, John Crick, staff at Best Quality Care Hospice and at her final home, Orchid Villa.
Joan’s smiles and laughter and her helpful nature will be missed and held tightly in heart and memory. If you wish to donate in her memory, the family suggests the Parkinson’s Foundation or any worthy nonprofit organization of your choosing.
Friends are invited to join family for Celebration of Life and Interment Services on Monday, January 8th, 2024.
10 am: Celebration of Life Gathering
Come to share memories. Or did Joan make something for you? Crochet? Album? Other? Bring it to share and talk about what it meant to you.
Light refreshments will be provided
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?