Joan Fenech, 79, passed away on September 27, 2016 after an extended battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and an unexpected diagnosis of lung cancer. Joan was born in Queens, New York on January 6, 1937 to Maltese emigrants Joseph & Olga Fenech. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carmen Heil. She is survived by her sister Theresa, brother Joseph and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from high school, Joan began a career with TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity) in New York City (NYC) that spanned 30 years. She loved NYC, and enjoyed the busy lifestyle, theatre and fine dining. After retirement, Joan headed west in search of a warmer climate and settled in Laguna Woods, CA, where she resided for 28 years. During this time she enjoyed visiting with friends, exercising at the gym, swimming and participating in arts & crafts classes. Diagnosed with MS in the early 1980's, she vowed not to let it slow her down. Instead, she pursued an active, vibrant lifestyle with a heavy dose of traveling, often with family members. One of her favorite destinations was the black jack tables in Las Vegas. Joan was a generous and loving person who enjoyed looking after her many nephews and nieces, who lovingly referred to her as AJ (Aunt Joan). She was very connected to her family and loved to both spoil and be spoiled. Her stories, smiles and zest for life will be missed. "Ahna hobbk hafna" – which in Maltese means, "We love you very much."

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