Initial information provided by Joan's Daughters Liz and Kim:

Hello Beloved family and friends of Joan. We wanted to let you know that she passed away very peacefully at noon today. Kim and I have been by her side constantly for the past 2 weeks, along with our amazing caretakers and her beloved dog and cats. Ernie, the cat who collects flowers, has brought us 5 beautiful camellias today in honor of his loving two-legged mama. She was very peaceful and sleeping soundly all night last night and seemed to be more on the other side than here with us so it was an easy transition for her. She had a very difficult last few weeks so we are now envisioning her out in a garden with her loved ones who went before her and her previous pets. Thank you all for your love and friendship over the years. She valued all of you very much. We will be in touch in a while about a memorial service, probably in June.

In lieu of flowers, please pick your favorite local animal shelter, women's shelter, nature preservation/land trust, as all of these were dear to her heart, or a cholangiocarcinoma charity to donate to in her name. If desired, any cards can be sent to Kim Bowersock and Liz Volk at 3315 N Main St, Soquel, CA 95073.  If you're far away and would like something read at the eventual memorial, you are welcome to send it on to us.

Thank you all so much for being a treasured part of her life.

Love, Liz and Kim