Joan Marie Bourdet

March 2, 1937 - January 1, 2019

Joan Marie Bourdet, age 81, passed away peacefully at home in San Mateo surrounded by loved ones on January 1, 2019. She was the daughter of Thomas and Marie Dougherty and is survived by Louis, her devoted husband of 45 years, her two sons David (Sharya) and Matthew, and three grandchildren Michael, James, and Katharine. She is also survived by her two sisters, Barbara and Sharon (Martin), and brother Thomas (Paula) as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joan was born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco and was a proud native San Franciscan. She attended St Peter’s Grammar School, Presentation High School, and San Francisco State University where she earned her teaching credential. Joan had a dedicated career as a schoolteacher, primarily teaching elementary school for the San Francisco Unified School District, the Department of Defense in Germany, Japan, and at Treasure Island, and for the last 12 years of her career at St. Matthew Catholic School in San Mateo.

Joan and her loving husband Lou made their home in San Mateo for nearly 50 years where they raised their two children David and Matthew. Joan had a passion for travel and their family adventures took them on yearly summer trips to Twain Harte and to cities and states across the US and in Europe. Joan had a special affinity for the Hawaiian Islands and visited them throughout her life including annual trips with Lou to Maui in their retirement.

Joan had a strong love for her family and friends. She enjoyed hosting large family gatherings at her home and was a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren. Joan had many cherished life-long friendships, as well as a love of Hawaiian music, conversations with friends and strangers, and a good martini.

Visitation begins at 6pm followed by a Vigil at 7pm on Wednesday, January 9th at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Thursday, January 10th at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Ave., San Mateo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.