JoAnn Hernandez

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joann Negrete Hernandez. She passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 60. She gracefully left us on earth to join our Heavenly Father.

Joann was a dedicated and loving mother of two beautiful, kind hearted and loving boys Ronnie and Joseph (deceased) Sotelo.

A Santa Paula native, Joann was born to Louis and Ann Hernandez. She was a lifelong resident of Santa Paula where she attended the local schools and played many sports.

Since her early childhood and throughout the years, Joann was strong, tough and very competitive. She played sports and games with friends and her tough brothers without fear of getting injured. Softball was one of her favorite sports. She would make every effort in the softball field to do her part in the game even if it meant having to do the splits on first base to catch the ball and get the runner out. It was all part of her competitive and entertaining personality.

At a very, very young age, her gift for helping and giving became visible. She took on the role of true leadership taking on responsibilities in the household, cooking, caring, helping, guiding and protecting her siblings. As a single parent, our father relied on Joann to help manage household finances and she would complete all duties assigned timely and diligently with no complaints.

From then on it was obvious and Joann became the go to person for help. Her ways of helping were unlimited. She would help anyone who called on her. She never turned down anyone. She wasn’t rich with money or material things but, she had something greater that is priceless. She had the gift of helping and giving, expecting nothing in return. She helped people in need during sickness, for advice, protection, guidance, find jobs, shelter, clothing, including pet sitting.

Joann worked for the County of Ventura for about 40 years throughout her lifetime. She worked in the departments of probation, medical, accounting, and as a social worker, helping people get back on their feet. She also worked in the real estate industry with escrow, foreclosures and investment. She wore many hats having had experience in many different fields of work. Joann was highly skilled and versatile having had so much work experience. She was very resourceful, and didn’t give up researching until she had an answer.

Upon encountering Joann you could always find her working, or working on something to help someone. She was a brilliant person who treated everyone with respect. She never looked down on anyone. She was a beautiful soul.

She had so much love for her family and empathy for others. She would give the shirt off her back to help others. Joann gave till the very end by donating her body organs to give others another chance at life. She had a heart of gold.

She also loved to have fun. She enjoyed going to the casinos, taking long rides and exploring places in California. She was fun and good company to have around.

Joann is survived by her son Ronnie, mother Ann, paternal grandmother Lucy, brothers Louie and Rudy (Paula), sisters Darlene, Ramona (Jerry) and Patricia (Betin).

Joann will be extremely missed by many. This earth has lost an angel. May she soar in heaven, as she did on earth. Joann is preceded in death by her son Joseph, father Louis, brother Ruben, and sister-law Leticia.

Joann’s funeral services and celebration of life will be held as follows:

Rosary & Viewing:

Perez Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula st.

Wednesday, Nov. 29th @6:30pm

Mass:

Guadalupe Church, Santa Paula

Thursday, Nov. 30th

9:30 am - Rosary

10:00 am - Mass

Burial immediately follows mass:

Santa Paula Cemetery

380 cemetery road

Celebration of life immediately follows burial:

Casa Mexicano

218 S. 11th street