Joy Ann Vogel passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99. Born on May 10, 1927, in Tulare, California, in the heart of California's Central Valley and a fourth-generation Californian, Joy was the daughter of Evelyn "Evie" and Ralph "Kenneth" Sturgeon. She was preceded in death by her beloved older sister, Donna Sturgeon.

Joy's childhood was filled with the spirit of the outdoors. Summers in the hot San Joaquin Valley were exchanged for the beauty of the Sequoia National Forest at their family home in Camp Nelson, where she spent countless days fishing and swimming in the river, riding her treasured horse, Joyce, and on hunting adventures with her father. Her childhood cultivated her lifelong appreciation for nature and a love of adventure.

After World War II she flew airplanes solo over the Central Valley. Joy was a strong and true free spirit.

After leaving Tulare, to attend UCLA, Joy moved to Brentwood, California. She became an assistant teacher at the esteemed John Thomas Dye School, working closely with its founders, Cathryn and John. She loved teaching small children and had many students that were the children of well-known movies stars of that era. Family and friends were captivated by her stories of driving the school bus before and after school and

the animals she would bring from the country to share with the children.

It was in Brentwood in 1954 that fate intervened, and she met the love of her life, Calvin "Cal" Wayne Vogel. Tall, handsome, and full of fun she would say she opened the door on their first date “to the rest of my life”. They were married on January 5, 1957. Their love story led them to La Cañada, California, in 1959, where they became integral members of a thriving young community and started their family. Their daughters, Sally Ann Vogel, arrived in 1962, followed by Nancy Lee Vogel in 1964.

In La Cañada, Joy's life revolved around her family. She fostered a shared love of horses with Sally and nurtured a passion for tennis with Nancy. Her passion for the outdoors, especially the mountains, remained constant. For many years, the family spent summers in Camp Nelson, where she taught her daughters the art of fishing, hiking in the wilderness, making wild berry jams and to embrace adventure.

Beyond her family, Joy cultivated other pursuits that fed her love of children, giving of herself to help others and learning. Her interest in psychology and children led her to volunteer at the local middle school helping teenagers navigate the difficult family and social pressures of adolescence. She volunteered at The Children’s Orthopedic Hospital Los Angeles and the local chapter of The Assistance League. She was an avid reader, with a perpetual stack of books by her bedside or in her travel bag. She loved poetry, psychology, non-fiction, history, and biographies.

In 1972, the family purchased a home at El Moro in Laguna Beach, California, a community with young families and children of similar ages. It was here that Joy cultivated lifelong friendships and created indelible memories of carefree days, happy hour bon fires, and countless dinners shared with family and friends.

In 1986, Joy and Cal moved to Irvine, California. This location proved perfect, offering proximity to Laguna Beach and a central point for Sally and Nancy to visit. After Cal's passing, Joy was ready for her next adventure. She moved into Brookdale Senior Living in Irvine, where she was truly happy connecting with many kind and wonderful new friends. Joy continued to reside there until her peaceful passing.

Our mom never liked to say goodbye. Instead, she would offer her characteristic, "Bye for now." She will forever be the stars in our night and the light in our day now and always, from every corner of the Universe. Joy is lovingly remembered and profoundly missed by her devoted daughters, Sally Vogel of Laguna Beach, Nancy Vogel of Denver, and her cherished granddaughter, Olivia Contillo, also of Denver. Her legacy of love, genuine kindness, strong spirit and unwavering dedication to family will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.

There will be a celebration of life Tea on Saturday, September 12 at 3:00pm in the parlor at Brookdale Senior Living 10 Marquette Irvine, CA 92161.