Joanne Suarez Madrigal
August 24, 1956 — November 6, 2018
Joanne was born in Harbor City on August 24, 1956, to her parents Richard and Raquel Suarez. She grew up in Wilmington and attended Holy Family Elementary School. She attended Mary Star of the Sea High School for one year. In 1974, she graduated from Banning High School where she played basketball. After high school she began working as a Directory Assistance Operator for Pacific Bell. She retired after 30 years of service. Joanne married Ocky, her high school sweetheart, in 1977, and subsequently moved to Lakewood where they raised their three children: Gina, Lisa, and Rudy. After retirement, Joanne began taking floral arranging classes and enjoyed making beautiful flower arrangements for special occasions. She loved spending time with her family and friends, taking trips to Arizona, and playing games such as Scrabble, Bunco, and Shanghai Rummy. After a 16 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Joanne passed on the morning of November 6th, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband, Ocky; daughter, Gina; son, Rudy; daughter, Lisa Madriaga (Sandy), grandson, EJ, and granddaughter, Nicole, who was born one week after Joanne passed. She is also survived by her mother, Raquel; brother, Richard (Julie); brother, Larry; and many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard; brother, Michael; and sisters Suzie and Patricia. A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held on December 1st at 10AM at St. Pancratius Church in Lakewood.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401
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