JoAnn Diane Alvernaz was born on December 5, 1936, to parents Elvin and Katherine Santos, in Patterson, CA.  She passed away peacefully, at home with her family, on December 27, 2021.  She was 85.

She attended Mt. View School and graduated from Turlock High School.  She met her true love, and neighbor, Manuel Alvernaz, and was married shortly after graduation. Manuel was discharged from the Army and they moved back to Turlock then started a small dairy.  JoAnn helped in many ways.  Not only was she a mom to three small children, she also took care of the books, fed calves, and helped with the farming.  They were busy, but they always made time for family and friends.

They became partners in El Katrina Dairy.   JoAnn was not only beautiful, but she was smart as well.  She knew every aspect of the dairy and farming operation and was instrumental in its success.  JoAnn was famous for her “corn lunches.” During harvest season, she would cook lunch for the entire chopping crew-and a few neighbors that just happened to pop in.  There was never a shortage of potential truck drivers!

JoAnn loved God, her family, and the community where she spent most of her 85 years.  She had a great sense of humor which has been passed down to three generations of family that think they are funny!  JoAnn loved to see and speak to any of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. JoAnn always had ice cream, cookies, drinks, and candy ready for any impromptu visits.  She was fun!

JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Manuel, and her deeply missed and loved son, Mike.  She was also preceded by her parents, Elvin and Katherine Santos; in-laws, Antonio and Mary Alvernaz; and her brothers-in-law, George Alvernaz and James Dick.  She is survived by:  sisters, Kathy Santos, Karen Dick and Deni Alvernaz; daughters, Debi (Jon) Fletcher and Tami (Mike) Plaa;  grandchildren, Dallas (Karly) Plaa, Garrett (Delicia) Fletcher, Austin (Kelsey) Plaa, Derek (Heather) Alvernaz, and Brad (Jessie) Fletcher;  great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Tylee, Sienna, Cabe, Ryder, Abigail, and Sloan; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.  A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd., Turlock. Following the Mass, JoAnn will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA  95356, or a charity of your choice.