Joan Mary Patricia Zambetti died in peace on Sunday, March 17, surrounded by her devoted husband, John; two children, Kathryn and Johnny; and sister, Kathy. Joan was the daughter of Robert and Catherine McGowan of Scarsdale, N.Y., and one of eight children. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, is particularly poignant as it would have been her parents’ 73rd wedding anniversary.
John and Joan met in 1976 on a lake in Greenwich, Conn., where they immediately knew it would be a forever love, her family shared. They moved to California in 1977 and later married in 1981 at the church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City, where John attended school and both children were baptized.
“A fixture of the Malibu community, Joan could be seen riding her bike with her husband through Cross Creek, catching dinner and a movie at the old Malibu theater, surrounded by girlfriends at Malibu Beach Inn and relaxing with her children by the pool,” loved ones said. “Joan’s priority in life was her family and friends. Her strength and courage were only matched by her grace and kindness. She had a magnetism that attracted people from all walks of life, and an openness that welcomed all to confide in her. She loved nothing more than to listen and help others.”
Joan was an avid painter and classical pianist, and served as the CFO of The Emergency Group.
Her family was the center of her life. Whether skiing, driving in global vintage car rallies or traveling the world, the four of them were always together.
Joan loved life and experienced it to the fullest. She had an infectious smile, was the epitome of style and beauty, and, most of all, had the warmest heart, her family wrote, and shared the following:
“Sweet Joanie, thank you for your love and setting the example for how life should be lived. We love you more than words can express.”