Obituary of JoAnne C. Thompson-Adams

On Monday, December 16, 2013 the world lost a true angel, a very gentle compassionate woman of great faith who possessed extraordinary strength even in the face of great adversity. She finally succumbed to pancreatic cancer. JoAnne was born in Los Angeles where she resided with her parents until 1938 at which time they moved to La Canada-Flintridge. JoAnne enjoyed horse back riding, training and participated in many shows there. In her freshman year of college, she attended the Scudder-Collver school in New York City and studied voice there. She transferred to the University of Redlands, CA where she majored in voice, and minored in religion, graduating with honors. She met her first husband, Dean Thompson, there. They were married in 1951, several months after graduation. JoAnne sang and acted with music Arts Theatre (part of Pasadena Playhouse), and also was church secretary at La Canada Presbyterian Church. In 1952 she and Dean moved to Ojai, CA where she was active in several groups including church choirs, Ventura County Master Chorale, Ventura County Light Opera Company, the Ulmer Chorale, and Ventura Grand Opera Company. She directed the Ojai Presbyterian Church choir for several years, was church secretary there, and taught voice privately. Her students were far more to her than acquaintances, they were part of her extended family that she truly cherished. While in Ojai, JoAnne and Dean had 3 sons. Kenneth (JoAnne Lubin), Bryan (Michele Gardner), and David. She also leaves one grandson, and 2 great grandsons. In 1976, JoAnne and Dean moved to Santa Barbara, CA. She was an active member of La Mesa Community Church, and later First Christian Church. She continued teaching voice and piano privately, and served as choir director in several churches. She was an active member of several musical / Theatre groups including Curtain Up! Productions, the Gilbert and Sullivan Co, the Alhecama Theatre, Santa Barbara Master Chorale, and church choirs. She sang six times in various European locales with Europa Cantat. In 1996, Dean passed away. In 2002, JoAnne married Robert Adams, a fine pianist and minister. She became step-mother to his 5 children: Stephanie Genty (Dominique), Michele Cyr, Melissa Tasaki, Jeff Arnold (Linda) and Patra Lounsbury (Ishmael). She has 9 step grandchildren through this marriage. Her husband, Bob passed away in 2007. Commemorative gifts may be given to the First Christian Church of Santa Barbara, Heifer Project International, animal welfare groups, or a charity of your choice . There will be a celebration of her life tentatively planned for March 22, 2014.