Joan Madeline Poettgen, 84, of Mission Viejo California, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother died from cancer on December 28, 2013, surrounded by her children. She was born on August 15, 1929 in Los Angeles, California to John and Helen Signorelli.

Joan was raised in Hollywood and attended Blessed Sacrament and Hollywood High School. She married Edward L Poettgen in June 1953. Prior to her marriage, she was a hairdresser, retaining her license throughout her life. She was the World’s best wife, mother and sports enthusiast. As a 45 year resident of Mission Viejo resident, she was a long time member of St Kilian Catholic Church.

Joan is survived by seven children; son Father Edward Poettgen, Jr. of Santa Ana, son James and Diane Poettgen of Trabuco Canyon, and five daughters Debra McClendon of Idaho, Diane and Ron Eldridge of Riverside, Mary and John Boeddeker of La Mesa, Susan Poettgen of Laguna Beach and Peggy and Dave Ward of San Juan Capistrano.

Her legacy was blessed with 15 Grandchildren: Cicely, Tiffiny, Brittany, Joelle, Robby, Michael, Rusty, Kelly, Keana, Ryan, Jeffery, Daniel, Matthew, Jonathan and Lauren. In addition she is survived by five Great-Grandchildren: Ty, Téa, Alahna, Athena and Elin.

She is also survived by her brother Paul and his wife Sharon Signorelli.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband Edward (Blackie) Poettgen on December 7, 2004.

A vigil with Rosary was held Jan 2, 2014 and the Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 3, 2014 at 10:30am at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo, California. Graveside services will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest. Mortuary services by O’Conner Mortuary in Laguna Hills. Reception immediately following internment at Ball Park Pizza Team on Los Alisos in Mission Viejo.

In lieu of flowers: Memorial donations in Joan Poettgen’s name may be made to the Mater Dei High School Tuition Fund https://6893.thankyou4caring.org/supportmd, the Luevano Foundation http://luevanofoundation.org/, which funds scholarships at Catholic elementary schools, or to your favorite cause.

The Poettgen Family wishes to thank her doctors, nurses and also St. Michael’s Hospice for her final days of care.