JoAnn Marie Brown

JoAnn Marie DiGiulio Brown, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Murrieta, CA on January 2, 2022, after a very short battle with pancreatic cancer. JoAnn was born July 24, 1944, in Windber, PA to parents Joseph R. and Carmella (Rillo) DiGiulio. She moved from PA to CA in 1968 where she met and married the love of her life, William Brown. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband as well as nephew David Henderson. She is survived by loving sisters Rosemary Onderko (husband Joseph) of Johnstown, PA and Carol Henderson of Murrieta, CA. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Joseph Henderson, Placentia, CA, Anthony (Janice) Henderson, Murrieta, CA, Marian (Rick) Vallese, Reno, NV, Therese (Brian) Keeler, Murrieta, CA, Patricia (Mario) O’Connor, Murrieta, CA, Kathleen (Bruce) Cox, Wagoner, OK, Lori Onderko, Johnstown, PA, Joseph (Ellen) Onderko, Poolesville, MD, and Lisa (Paul) Miller, Johnstown PA. She is also remembered and loved by her 17 great nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by Uncle John Rillo, Claremont, CA, Aunt Virginia (Rillo) Bohler, Hesperia, CA, and Aunt Mary Lou (Rillo) Pruchnic, New Castle, PA.

JoAnn was a 1962 graduate of Windber Area High School, Windber, PA. She graduated from Seton Hill College with a degree in education and went on to follow her passion for teaching. She later earned a master’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona while pursuing her lifelong effort to make a difference in the lives of special needs students as well as those who were visually impaired. Upon retiring from Azusa Unified School District, JoAnn continued to give back by translating books into braille so that everyone could find enjoyment in reading.

JoAnn was a devout Catholic with strong faith. Her trust in God supported her in good times and in bad times. She was a member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Murrieta. CA. and active in several church groups. Joann believed that when many gathered to pray, the power of prayer was unstoppable.

Rosary and Memorial Mass is planned for Monday, January 31, 2022, at St. Martha's Catholic Church, 37200 Whitewood Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563

Rosary will begin at 9:45am with Mass immediately following at 10:00am

You can access the Mass live stream via link below:

https://www.facebook.com/joann.brown.359778

JoAnn will be laid to rest at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont, CA

Interment Service date and time to be announced