Joan Margaret Ochoa

Joan Margaret Ochoa was born March 18, 1956 in Montebello, California to Millard and Aline (Archambault) Camp. She passed away Friday, November 23, 2012, in Whittier, California.



Joan grew up in Whittier, California. Because her father bought old sold houses within the community, Joan moved frequently and ended up attending nearly every school Whittier! She graduated from Whittier High School and went on to earn an Associates degree at Rio Hondo College in Whittier. She also attended La Verne University and was just four classes short of her Bachelors degree.



While at Rio Hondo College, Joan met Robert Anthony Ochoa. They were married on June 21, 1980, at St. Gregory the Great Church in Whittier. They made their home in Whittier four all but four years of their marriage when they lived in La Habra. To their union came two daughters, Megan and Sarah.



Joan spent 15 years as an operator and equipment maintainter for GTE. She then started her own children's daycare business out of her home, which she ran for 20 years. She was a pioneer at incorporating pre-school teachings into her daycare, and she is loved by many children and parents alike for her dedication to them.



Music was a big part of Joan's life. Having played the piano since the age of 5, she used her schools to teach lessons and make money for college. She was also a singer. She sang in high school, college, and for both St. Gregory the Great and St. Bruno parishes over the years. Joan LOVED dogs, the color purple/lavender, and connecting with friends on Facebook.



Joan will be remembered as one who never took herself too seriously. She always put everyone else first. Her daughters remember her frequently saying, 'Do everything with a glad heart' and 'God doesn't say 'oops''.



A public viewing will take place from 6-7pm on Friday, November 30, 2012, at St. Gregory the Great Church, 13935 Telegraph Rd., Whittier, California. The Rosary will immediately follow at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am the next morning, Saturday, December 1, 2012. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.