Joan Deaton
Oct. 4, 1931-Oct. 2, 2017
Palo Alto, California

Joan was born in Ord, Nebraska and was the daughter and only child of Joseph and Anna Sedlacek. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics.

While in college, she was a member of the golf team. In 1954, she married Perry Deaton, an electronics engineer, and moved to Southern California soon thereafter.

Joan began employment with the State of California and in 1960 moved to Palo Alto. She then began working for the California Employment Development Department where she counseled job seekers and helped them find employment. She thoroughly enjoyed this position and made many lifelong friends. Ever industrious, she also worked at the Emporium and then Macy's as a supervisor. For many years Joan enjoyed playing bridge with her girlfriends, participating in book clubs, traveling and going to films. She was a devoted member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and she will be remembered for her gentle manner, good humor and generosity.

She is survived by her two sons, Greg of San Francisco and Mark of Honolulu, and grandsons Chase and Quinn, also of Honolulu.

Tags: public service