Joan Choconas Evangelou

SAN DIEGO, CA — Joan Choconas Evangelou, 86, passed away Sunday, January 2, 2022. Joan was born November 26, 1935 in Rippey, Iowa to Vaughn and Leona Nation.

Joan’s early years were spent in the rural town of Rippey, on the family’s farm. Life in America’s heartland was ideal but a move to the big city of Des Moines, Iowa proved life changing. It was here that Joan attended and received her Business Administration degree from Drake University. She was a true trailblazer! Joan was one of only two women seeking a business degree in a time when that was unheard of. It was at Drake University where Joan would meet fellow student Peter Choconas. They were an unlikely couple, a country girl and a first generation Greek immigrant from the big city. But love won out and they married on November 24, 1957.

The newlyweds established a life in Des Moines, Iowa. They added to their family with the

November 26, 1935 - January 2, 2022 births of their three daughters, and Joan also began a career teaching.

Life was about to take a new path. An opportunity presented itself in San Diego, CA. The young family moved west in the fall of 1965. Joan embraced life in California. She became a homemaker and community volunteer. Her life was filled with PTA, National Charity League, Kappa Kappa Alumni, Debutant Balls, Hellenic Society, and the Juniors of Social Services Auxiliary, where she was nominated as the queen of the Mardi Gras Ball. She was also an avid tennis player, loved cooking, reading and entertaining friends and

family.

In December 1983 Joan lost her husband Peter. Sadly, he died of a massive heart attack. She had become widowed at 48 years of age. Carrying on, Joan became a residential real estate broker in 1984.

Joan found love again. She married Dr. Milt Evangelou on May 31, 1986. Joan and Milt enjoyed traveling, especially their RV trips. They also loved hosting family and friends. Joan was a gracious hostess, loving and always kind. She also volunteered for her beloved church, All Saints Episcopal and the ARCS Foundation. In 1971 Joan was honored as a Woman of Dedication. With such a varied life from rural farm to travel worldwide, Joan wrote and published her memoirs, dedicating the book to her family.

In 2015 Joan was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. Her battle lasted almost seven years. Sadly, during her struggle Milt died in September of 2018. Joan passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Joan is survived by her three daughters, Kathie Virissimo, Diane (David Archambault), Kristine ( Jose Cetale); grandchildren: Nick, Alexi, Devin, Dominique, Peter, Joseph; greatgrandchildren: Peter, Fiona; and stepchildren: Ellen Stevens, Steve and Paula Evangelou, Dec. George Evangelou, Dave Evangelou, Susie and Mike Gerow, Carol and Jim Hadzicki, Kate Evangelou along with 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Services will be held on January 29, 2022 at All Saints Episcopal Church located at 625 Pennsylvania Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 at 11:00am. Luncheon to follow service.

In lieu of flowers donations to The American Cancer Society are appreciated.

http://main. acsevents.org/goto/ Joanchoconasevangelou

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