JoAnn Fraser

JoAnn Frances (Maurer) Fraser, adored and adoring spouse of 37 years to John Arthur Fraser and dedicated and beloved mother to Jim, Kerry, Casey and Darcy, passed peacefully from this plane on Wednesday, December 8th, in the presence of loved ones.

Born in 1939 to Josephine and Arthur Maurer, JoAnn lived her whole life in San Jose California. When she wasn’t skipping classes to drum in jazz sessions, JoAnn attended Notre Dame High School. High school get-aways led to sports car racing and JoAnn piloted an Austin-Healey 3000 to many a track and rally victory.

She attended Notre Dame College in Belmont, CA and later earned her Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in Special Education from San Jose State University. She paired her education and caring heart into a career of special education at Oak Grove High School in San Jose CA, teaching science and life skills.

After retiring, JoAnn and John enjoyed traveling and often shared these adventures accompanied by family and friends. At home and abroad, JoAnn charmed acquaintances, touched hearts and made friends on cruises, in Italy, Germany and everywhere they found themselves. Though JoAnn was an only child, she was not without a fun-loving and talented gaggle of gals who considered each other sisters. For 50 years, she played guitar, traps and sang; conspired and cavorted with these wonderful folk musicians as the group “Mass Confusion”. Together they brightened the hearts of many, in church, at weddings, for the sick, for fun and for the love of God.

An amazing cook, consummate gardener, delightful musician and talented seamstress, JoAnn rode dirt bikes, was smart, caring, stubborn, generous and courageous. She was a devoted wife, a devout Catholic and member of the Italian Catholic Federation, a dedicated friend, nurturing mother, loving mother-in-law to Heidi, Todd, Trish and Doug and a doting Nonnie to her grandchildren: Abigaile; Tyler, Devin & Erik; Jayne & Jo; Josie and Neal. She also loved her dog Guinness. Her generosity, hospitality and love touched so many, and she leaves this world a better place by having been here. She is fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Transfiguration Church, 4325 Jarvis Avenue, San Jose, CA. 12:30 Entombment at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of JoAnn’s favorite charities: Sisters of Notre Dame Belmont.