Known as, "Joan," she passed away peacefully at the Carmichael Eskaton Care Center with family at her side on Jan. 20, 2018 after a long illness at age 83. She was born in Chico, CA along with her twin brother, John, to Helen and Stanley Keyawa on Aug. 1, 1934 to the total family of seven children, two sisters, and five brothers. Joan attended Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School and Chico High School where she was a cheer leader. She graduated from Chico State College in 1956 with a degree in Elementary School Education. She was a member of the Newman Club and PI Kappa Sigma Sorority. She taught 3rd grade in the former Rio Linda School District for 37 years, retiring in 1994. During that time she took a 2 year leave to teach with the American Military Schools in Stuttgart Germany. She was a dedicated and passionate teacher. Joan married Norman "Norm" Carl Kuhn, a Secondary School Industrial Education teacher In 1972. They had one son, Carl Jr., and two grandchildren, Sofia, 8, and Karsten, 2. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, son and daughter-in-law, Carl and "Trish" Kuhn, 2 grandchildren, her sister, Mary Bloom, her brothers, Jerry and Regg Keyawa, and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her 3 brothers, Stan, Gene, and her twin brother John Keyawa. Joan was a parishioner of the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Carmichael for over 45 years. She served as a Eucharist Minster, and volunteered at the OLA St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Locker and a Home Visitation Team, with her husband, during 18 of those years, helping people in need. Joan was an avid sports fan especially of the 49ers, the Kings, Notre Dame University, golf, and Olympic ice skating and skiing. She had enjoyed playing golf and skiing. Joan also loved many musical plays. Among her favorites was Les Miserables. She attended five performances, one being in London with the original cast during a tour of Europe with family in 1987. Those who knew Joan appreciated her quick wit, and great sense of humor that will be missed by all. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11AM on Mar. 17, 2018 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael CA 95608. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the OLA St. Vincent de Paul Society to the address provided. Interment will held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date with the family.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on Mar. 3, 2018