Obituary of Joan Bernice Phariss

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday in Capitola for long time Santa Cruz resident Joan Phariss who passed away on September 15, 2013 with her loving family at her bedside. Mrs. Phariss celebrated her 85th birthday on August 20th. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, she moved to Santa Cruz 65 years ago and served her country as a WAVE reserve in the U.S. Navy. She met her husband to be, Gary Phariss who was also enlisted in the Navy reserve at the time. After working for the telephone company for a while, she and her husband began what was to be a 55 year career on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf as the owners of The Aquarium Gift Shop (now Buccaneer Gifts) While raising her 7 children in Santa Cruz, her dedication to them was of paramount importance as she volunteered her time in various activities including scouting and P.T.A. As a long time parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola, she volunteered as a greeter and helped prepare the meals at the monthly socials held by her husband's Knights of Columbus Council. Joan and Gary were accomplished travelers and many fond memories will be cherished of trips to Australia, Europe, and family gatherings and shopping sprees with her children and grandchildren. She will be forever remembered as a loving mother, wife and friend whose legacy of goodwill will not be forgotten. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gary Phariss of Santa Cruz, her daughter, Kristan Lindeke of Aptos, her sons and daughters- in-law, Kevin and Ronda Phariss of Santa Cruz, Keith Phariss of Corralitos, Kenneth and Susana Phariss of Mexico; her daughter and son- in-law Karen and Michael Goldman of Santa Cruz, and her daughters, Karleen Munos of Santa Cruz and Kelly Steigelman of Hollister. Mrs. Phariss also leaves her eleven beloved grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her brother, Vic Jonaitis of Waukegan, IL. One of eight children, she was preceded in death by six of her siblings. Friends and family will gather on Monday September 23, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (435 Monterey Avenue in Capitola) where the mass will be celebrated beginning at 11 a.m. Committal services are private. Any kind acts of charity may be made in her name to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. (ww5.komen.org) If you wish to light a candle and share your thoughts and prayers with her family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com