Joan Frances Garibay

We lost Joan Frances Garibay on May 6, 2022, in Ontario, California. We also lost a Sister, an Aunt, and a strong willed woman. Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy Garibay O’Brien, her father Francisco Garibay Jr., and her mother Mary Louise Swanson. She is survived by her sister and niece Mimi and Savannah Lee Simmons, her brother, wife and many nieces and nephews, Robert and Rose Garibay, Daniel Garibay, Heather Garibay Burdette, and Sean Garibay, who each have partners and their children. Joan’s nephews Trevor O’Brien, Jake, Brooke, and Dani O’Brien are survived also by Cathy Garibay O’Brien.

Joan graduated from Wilson High Night School. Joan worked at Family Fitness in Lakewood Center. She was in excellent shape and loved being fit.  Don't get me wrong, Joan loved her beer and hanging out with friends. Not too long afterwards, April 14, 1982, she was in a horrible car accident which left her in a coma for months and rehabilitation. Joan would never be the same. She would eventually come home to live with Mom and Rodger in Long Beach. Mom and Joan were inseparable and loved each other so very much. They bought a house in Victorville where they spent much time with the grandkids. They moved to Big Bear for a couple years, then back to Victorville. After Mom passed, it did not take Joan too long to follow her to Heaven. If you have ever read the book or seen the movie Dan & Ann - I always stated that would be Mom & Joan. Joan was strong till the end and made it over 40 years since her accident.

Joan is whole now and in Heaven ~I am certain Joan and Mom and the rest of the family are together and celebrating ~