Joanna was born February 9, 1922 to Frances and Achilles Franscioni. She was preceded in death by her brothers Warren, Junior and Bob, her husband Elmer C. Brown and her son Kenneth P. Brown. Her youngest brother Frank Franscioni and his wife Joan live in Paso Robles.

Married Elmer C. Brown in September of 1940 and had two children, Joellen Chrones and Kenneth Brown. Joellen is married to Thomas A. Chrones (retired Fire Marshal of Lompoc) and has three step-children, Victoria Marren of Florida, Kari Cox of Lompoc, and Sarah Rodriguez of Flagstaff, AZ and two step-grandchildren Devon 5 and Linley 3.

She was raised in the Salinas Valley, graduated Gonzales High School and attended Berkeley College. Joanna and family moved to Lompoc in 1956. Joanna worked on Vandenberg Air Force Base for several years and then worked for and eventually retired from Santa Barbara County Mental Health Clinic in Lompoc. After retiring Joanna and Elmer bought a motorhome and traveled around the United States for 5 years. Joanna and Elmer enjoyed dancing and in their early years belonged to the local Cotillion Dance Club. She was very active in the community, belonging to and actively participating in Eastern Star, American Legion and Lompoc Community Woman's Club until the last few months of her life. She also belonged to the Elk's in Paso Robles. She loved to go to the Chumash Casino and at times was really lucky, she went as late as two weeks ago.

She had fun traveling with her sister-in-law Margie Morati, now deceased. They went to Australia, New Zealand, Aruba, and toured the Panama Canal. She loved to travel but also loved her garden and making jam. If anyone had too much fruit, she would always take it and make jam or pies. She knitted, crocheted, sewed and was always busy.

Joanna passed away July 25th, she was a breast cancer survivor over 30 years ago and also survived lung cancer 10 years ago, however, the lung cancer came back to fill her lungs. She passed peacefully in the night with her daughter Joellen living with her with the help of three wonderful caregivers during the day.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband and son in Lompoc Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Aug. 2nd at 3pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary 123 North A Street, Lompoc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care,512 E Gutierrez Street Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, or to your local Cancer Society.