Joan Aileen Niersbach Donnelly

December 8, 1937 – August 8, 2026

Joan Donnelly passed away on August 8th at the age of 88, after a courageous four-year journey with Alzheimer's and dementia, having also weathered blood cancer and spinal fusion surgery in earlier years with the same quiet strength that defined her life.

She was born in Huntington Park, CA, the daughter of Percy and Helen Niersbach and sister to Jean and Carol. Joan graduated from USC, where she was a proud member of the Tri Delta sorority — a lifelong Trojan through and through. Joan and Bill were married in June 1960, beginning a marriage that would span 62 years.

Joan was known for her effortless elegance and impeccable style — always put together, always gracious. She loved painting and crafts, and had a passion for travel that took her around the world. A gifted host, she was famous among family and friends for her hospitality, her parties, and her devotion to the people she loved — and for never turning down a piece of chocolate. She was a loyal and treasured friend to many, the kind of person people counted on.

Like Bill, her Roman Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was a longtime, devoted member of Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach.

Joan was deeply committed to building community, and in particular to helping families heal relationships damaged by substance abuse. She was an enduring example of love and acceptance for countless friends and family members.

She is survived by her children, Kevin, Kathleen, and Kerry, her five grandchildren, Ryan, Sasha, SeanLiam, Lilly, and Rourke, her sisters Carol Saxton and Jean Schultz, and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Bill, and her son, Kelly.

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on Friday, August 28th.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to:

American SIDS Institute — www.sids.org

Blood Cancer United — www.bloodcancerunited.org

Alzheimer's Association — www.alz.org