Joan Mary Aggiss Eisiminger

Joan Mary Aggiss Eisiminger, age 88, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 2, 2026, with family by her side after a long and remarkable life. She was born on July 16, 1937, in Haileybury, Ontario, Canada, to Alice and Bertram Aggiss.

Joan Mary Aggiss Eisiminger Published July 17, 2026 Joan Mary Aggiss Eisiminger, age 88, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 2, 2026, with family by her side after a long and remarkable life. She was born on July 16, 1937, in Haileybury, Ontario, Canada, to Alice and Bertram Aggiss. Joan was the oldest of four and a very determined young lady.

Following her high school graduation in 1955, Joan attended school to earn her degree in X-ray technology. In 1957, Joan married Edward “Ike” Eisiminger, and together they welcomed five children: Edward Jr., twins Barry and Bruce, Kellee, and Timothy. As an Air Force wife, Joan uprooted her life and her growing brood many times, living in New York, Maine, the Philippines, Michigan, and California.

She handled every move with resilience and determination, often doing it largely on her own. After Joan and Ike divorced in 1972, she remained in California to raise her children. Joan built a respected career as an X ray technologist.

Her first position in Canada involved X-raying fish for the Forestry department. Joan spent years raising her children as an Air Force wife, once she settled in California, her career blossomed at Memorial Hospital, where she eventually became manager of the department. When the hospital restructured, she continued her leadership at Kaiser facilities in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, managing the X ray department until her retirement.

Joan lived life with courage and enthusiasm. While stationed in the Philippines, she rode motorcycles across the islands with Ike and a crew of service members and their wives — riding her own motorcycle, of course. At 40, she earned her master’s degree and was snow skiing with her oldest son.

In her fifties, she took up hang gliding. After retiring from Kaiser, she bought a fifth wheel trailer and truck, spent a week at RV training, and hit the road to explore the country. During her travels, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need.

Her retirement adventures also led her back to her profession, working summers as an X-ray technologist in Yellowstone National Park, where she formed lifelong friendships. Throughout her life, Joan was deeply devoted to her faith and remained actively involved in the Catholic communities wherever she lived. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Joan spent many years traveling between her homes in both countries.

In her seventies, she returned to work once again as an X-ray technologist in 100 Mile House, Canada, her hometown at the time. In 2021, she moved permanently back to the United States and later spent her final three and a half years at Villa Capri Assisted Living in Santa Rosa. There, she made many dear friends and enjoyed frequent visits from her children and grandchildren.

She often said, “There are so many residents here who don’t have anyone visiting them. I am so blessed.” In her final years, Joan was especially grateful for three special people in her life—Mary Wade, Tina Tenoso, and Delia Duarte—along with the wonderful caregivers at Villa Capri, who cared for her as her children lived in other states.

Her family will be forever grateful to everyone who cared for our Mom when we could not be there. At Villa Capri, Joan became affectionately known as “the chocolate lady.” Every caregiver who came into her apartment was met with her familiar refrain upon leaving: “Did you want a chocolate?

Did you get chocolate? Don’t forget your chocolate.” She kept an endless supply of Lindor chocolates on hand, delighting staff and guests alike with her signature gesture of generosity.

Joan loved cats and owls, and wherever she lived, there were always one to three feline companions traveling with her, and numerous owl figurines scattered about her home. She was deeply generous, supporting numerous charities focused on animals and children, including ASPCA, WWF, Covenant House, and Save the Children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Bertram Aggiss, her granddaughter Tess Eisiminger, and sons Edward Jr. and Timothy.

She is survived by her brother Guy (Myra) Aggiss; sisters Judith and Dorothy; her children Barry (Christie) Eisiminger, Bruce (Dana) Eisiminger, and Kellee (Billy) Holland; her grandchildren Nikolas, Krystina, Lukas, Edward III, Natalie, Ava, and Chloe; her great grandchildren Derek, Ilah, River, Rori, and Birdy; and numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 AM at Villa Capri Assisted Living, 1397 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Joan’s favorite charities: ASPCA, WWF, Covenant House, or Save the Children.