Joan Garaventa Jaffe, a loving and charismatic wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Pacific Palisades on July 10.
Born on October 13, 1941, in San Francisco, Joan moved to Los Angeles more than 50 years ago. She embarked on a successful career at UCLA, where she was also a proud graduate.
In 1980, Joan married Howard Jaffe, and together they created a beautiful family. As stepmother to Cynthia Jaffe and Eric Jaffe and mother to Lauren Jaffe Sweeney, Joan’s nurturing spirit provided endless love, advice and amazing meals. She adored her four grandchildren, Milo Jaffe, Kate Lynch, Ella Sweeney and Jack Sweeney, and cherished every moment spent with them.
Joan’s generous spirit and warm personality made everyone feel welcome and loved. Her friends were her extended family, and her kind heart maintained many friendships that have lasted decades. She was also an active volunteer, which included serving for many years as a docent at the Getty Villa and LACMA.
Joan will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and an unwavering zest for life.
A private memorial mass will be held at Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, in addition to a Celebration of Life held locally. Please contact the family for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (pancreatic.org) or the St. Joseph Center (stjosephctr.org).
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
