Joann Marie Fabian Curtis

Joann Marie Fabian Curtis was born in 1936 in San Francisco to Joseph and Anna Fabian, and she died on August 7, 2026 in Petaluma at age 89. As a child, she roamed the Potrero Hill area, (I-80 now cuts through SF in this area), home to many new Slovenian immigrants, including her parents and extended family. Her life centered around the Slovenian Hall with many celebrations and gatherings.

She graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1955, and worked at Crest Drugstore. She enjoyed summer visits to the Russian River where she met our father, Stuart, now deceased. After marrying at age 19, she moved to Petaluma where she spent the rest of her life.

By the age of 25 she had 4 little ones and found herself to be a landlady managing rental houses that my father built over the years. Energetic and industrious, she cared for us, managed the rentals and became a fabulous cook, seamstress and gardener.

With her children grown, she involved herself in many clubs including the Petaluma Garden Club, Model A Club, Quilting Club, Folk Dancing Classes where she made many wonderful friends. Life always included travel and keeping up with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom was strong, determined and very engaged in the lives of the ones she loved. She was feisty-a mixture of gentle empathy, with a kind listening ear, all the while asserting her opinions and good ideas about what should be done.

She is survived by her 4 children Steven(Donna), Chris(Paul), Carrie and Michelle(Jim), her 7 grandchildren Carolyn(Joey), Brian(Esther), Eric(Melanie), Walter(Sara), Harmon(Kelly), Camille(Dominic), and Marie, her 8 great grandchildren, Joseph, Henry, Edward, William, Arthur Martin, Brooklyn and Willie, her sister Diane, her sister-in-law Judy, and many nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to Kelly and Kisa Erickson and staff at Taking the Journey, and Providence/Compassus Hospice for taking care of all of us during the last years of both our parents' lives. It has been a priceless gift.

Please join us to celebrate Joann’s good life on August 13, Thursday, at Parent Sorensen Funeral Home at 850 Keokuk St, Petaluma, CA 94952. Viewing -10:00am to 11:30am, Service -11:30 am with burial to follow. Immediately after the burial, there will be a lunch at Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St., Penngrove 94951. Please join us.