Joan M. Lacasa passed away at her residence May 22nd after a courageous battle against cancer. Joan was a life long resident of Hollister, attended San Benito High School, where she was a cheerleader, and graduated from Beauty Colleges both in Salinas and San Jose. Upon her graduation, Joan purchased Yolanda’s Hair Salon from Yolanda Gulli which was located on San Benito Street, renamed her salon to Joan’s Lacasa Bella and moved her business to the Paine Building on Fifth Street. Her clientle grew to the point that besides herself her shop had 10 beauty operators. In addition to her talents as a beautician, Joan was a recognized model in the Bay Area, especially at the Holiday time, as she modeled for many of the major department stores. She was knowledgeable about the very best fashions as well as clothing styles at the time. As a hobby Joan enjoyed decorating her home and helping others to do the same. During this time she also obtained her real estate license and was associated with several Realtors in San Benito County.
Besides her husband Charlie Lacasa, Joan is survived by her sons Mark Lacasa, and Michael Lacasa, spouse Taundie; grandchildren Trevor, Sara, Chelsie, Dillon, Dustin and Derek; her sisters Mary Lou Tortorelli of Hollister and Wanda Danford of WA; brother-in-law Frank Cerrato Jr. of Hollister; and many other family members. She was predeceased by sisters Dorotha Cerrato and Peggy Prater. As per her wishes a memorial service will be held following the Memorial Day Weekend at the Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home Chapel 870 San Benito St., Hollister. Please call the mortuary at 637-3757 for date and time or visit: www.grunnagle.com for information and condolences.
Donations are preferred to the Sloan Kettering Cancer Society c/o the mortuary chapel.
