Joan Secor

Joan Aileen Secor, age 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family and her dog Pepper on May 19, 2023. She was born in Santa Barbara, CA to Raymond Tapie, Sr. and Esther Tapie. The youngest of three children, she adored both her older brother Raymond and sister Betty. 

All who knew Joan understood that their prayers had been answered in some way. She lovingly cared about and helped all souls in need including her many rescue animals who became treasured members of the family.

Growing up in the throes of the Great Depression cultivated within her a spirit of creativity, generosity, and determination. As a young girl she created her own line of paper dolls complete with the latest fashions made of colorful paper and discarded magazines. Through the years this passion would grow to include thoughtful gifts for family and friends such as hand-sewn clothes, costumes, formal dresses, and cuddle blankets for each of her newborn great-grandchildren.

After the family moved to Ventura she met Larry Secor, the love of her life. During their first year of marriage Larry was drafted to serve in the Korean War. Joan received her only speeding ticket while rushing home from her job at the DMV on her lunch break to check the mailbox for letters from her loving husband. 

Joan was a beautiful and gracious wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. An accomplished classical pianist, she was also a gardener, artist, baker extraordinaire, seamstress, Bluebird leader, softball team mom, room mother and event organizer in her spare time. Side by side Larry and Joan managed their dedicated staff of more than forty employees in their long-standing business "Secor's Janitorial Service." Joan's family stands in awe of her amazing talents and accomplishments, and the truly elegant lady she will always be.

Joan leaves behind her adoring family: loving husband Larry of 71 years, daughters, Wendy Zielsdorf (husband Jeff), Linda Oleson (husband Allen), Donna Kendall (husband Kevin), Laurie Kolkman (husband Bill), and Debbie Burnell (husband David).

She was blessed with twenty grandchildren: Mike Zielsdorf (wife Cory), Kevin Zielsdorf (wife Andrea), Kate Jost (husband Matt), Johanna Hanson (husband James); April Nelson (husband Steve), Kimberley Alvarez, Sarah Giroux, Micaela Oleson, Alie Oleson, Shelli Stevens (husband Lee), Haley Elson, Hillary Hunt (husband Brian); Scott Nelson (wife Vanessa), Debbie Allen; Danny Espinoza, Donna Von Doeren (husband Micah), Kayl Kolkman (wife Amber), Tyler Kolkman (wife Chenoa); Victoria Barrow (husband Zach), and Briidy Burnell (Nolan Corippo).

And her thirty-five great-grandchildren: Grace and Lauren Zielsdorf, Anniston and Maddilyn Zielsdorf, Jakob and Lukas Jost, Elsie, Kylee and Ben Hanson; Eliza, Dean and Laney Nelson, Sophie Alvarez, Cassidy and Zoey Stevens, Bailee and Liam Elson, Lyra, Heidi, Lydia and Jonathan Hunt; Paisley and Lawrence (Larry) Nelson, Bruno and Mila Allen; Vada, Jolie and Layla Von Doeren, Travis Vick, Joanna, Kaylee, and one-on-the-way Kolkman, Talia Kolkman; Hazel and Violet Barrow.

And her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends which she loved so dearly. Everyone in her presence knew they were her favorite. 

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle, Stephanie and Daniella at TLC Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warriors at woundedwarriorproject.org or the Humane Society at humanesociety.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Perez Family Funeral Chapel on July 29, 2023 at 1:00; 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA. Reception to follow at the family's residence.