Joann, a resident of Wildomar, formerly of Santa Ana, CA, passed away on 9/3/2020, due to complications with Parkinson’s disease. She was born October 6, 1934 in Elmira, NY, the only child of Glenn and Ellen (nee Watson) Gibson. The family moved to Utica, NY when she was an infant. The grand-daughter of Jane “Jeannie” Tulloch and William Watson, g/grand-daughter of Catherine “Kate” Higginson and Thomas Tulloch, Joann’s early life was enriched with proud traditions of the Scots-Irish. She was an honor student at John F. Hughes Elementary School, a consistent member of the National Honor Society and third in her graduation class at Utica Free Academy in 1952. Joann was a Girl Scout, a piano student of Prof. Magendanz, Worthy Past Pres. Theta Rho Girls Club I.O.O.F. and Constellation of Junior Stars (Masonic Order), assistant choir director, pianist, organist and soloist at Centenary Methodist Church.
Joann married Donald L. Herpy November 19, 1955 at Centenary Methodist Church in Utica. They resided in Quantico, VA, from 1955 where they started their family. Don’s first Marine Corps overseas assignment (’60) brought the family to Santa Ana, CA, where the family grew in numbers and in the community. Joann started a 22 year career with the Lucky Food Stores and retired as a Stores Systems Mgr. at the Corp. Offices in 1991. Always active in the positive growth of her children she was Cub Scout Den Mother, Boy Scout Troop Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Little League Team Mother & Scorekeeper, Pop Warner & Jr All American Football Booster, Elementary & HS Band Booster. She enjoyed collecting and took great pride in showing her collections of American made Roseville pottery, decorator plates and Precious Moments figurines. Holiday seasons were very special and immediately after Thanksgiving she would begin to decorate her home for the family to enjoy at Christmas & New Year’s celebrations. Joann loved her family above all else and cherished the memories of a lifetime.
In the mid 1990’s Joann and Don became family historians having written a book about their family’s immigration from Germany, Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland.
Joann is survived by her husband, sons Jeffrey Herpy of Murrieta, CA, Glenn (Lori) Herpy of Murrieta, CA, John (Mindy) Herpy of Rancho Mirage, CA, daughters Lori (Herpy) McPeck of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and DeAnn Herpy of Maurepas, LA. Grandchildren Brandon (Julie) McPeck of Beaumont, CA, Christopher (Angie) Garcia of Costa Mesa, CA, Michelle Shoopman of Richmond, TX, Adam Herpy of Lancaster, CA, Erica McPeck of Anaheim, CA, Alex Herpy of Long Beach, CA, Michael Herpy of Chino Hills, CA, Tyler Herpy of Garden Grove, CA, and Madeline Herpy of Torrance, CA. G/Grandchildren Emma Thorson; Kayla, Avery and Blake McPeck; Jameson and Ruby Garcia; and Tristan Herpy. She was predeceased in death by her parents and infant daughter Donna Louise Herpy.
The family wishes that you consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation and/or a Hospice of your choice in memory of Joann.
Private Family Services will be held at Miller Jones Mortuary, Menifee on October 6th, 2020. If you wish to have flowers delivered to the private service, they will be accepting flowers starting at 9:00 A.M.
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