Joanne Marie Amaral

Joanne “JoJo” Damazio Amaral passed away unexpectedly on August 28, 2018. She was 65 years old. She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Anibal, of Petaluma, adored sons Michael (Ashley) and Kevin (Kevin) and her precious grandchildren, Harley and Grayson. She is also survived by her mother, Leontine Damazio, brother Bob (Judy) Damazio and sister Lori (Meludi) Miles, brothers-in-law Manuel (Maryjo), John, Joe (Stephanie), Henry and Oscar (Linda) and sisters-in-law Ilda (Fred) Dennis, Linda (Tim) Keen and Vicky Amaral, wife of the late Tony Amaral. She was fondly known as Auntie JoJo to her many nieces and nephews. Family was the most important thing to her.

She grew up in West Marin, where her father John Damazio (deceased) was a Marin County Fire Captain. She graduated from Tomales High School in 1971 with many friends who were very dear to her. Upon graduation, she began her career in banking at the Bank of America. She most recently served as a Senior Construction Loan Administrator at the Bank of Marin. Her 48 year banking career lead to many cherished, lifelong friendships.

Joanne was a loyal and dedicated member of the Petaluma Holy Ghost Society, where she held the office of Secretary for many years. She was very proud of her Portuguese heritage and the community of friends she established there. She found great joy dancing with Anibal at the many events at the Hall. One of her proudest moments was when her granddaughter Harley was crowned Little Queen at the Petaluma Festa this past May.

Services will begin on Tuesday, September 4th, Rosary at 7pm with viewing beginning at 4pm at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary in Petaluma. A funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 5th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org or the Petaluma Holy Ghost Society at PO Box 750572, Petaluma, CA 94975-0572.