It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Lyons Maggenti, aged 92, who left us peacefully on December 27, 2024. Joan was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister, known for her kindness, humor, and devotion to the Catholic Church. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Joan was born on July 2, 1932, in San Francisco, California, to Marie and Joseph Kitterman of Alameda, California. Joan attended grammar school at Saint Joseph’s Elementary School and high school at Notre Dame High School in Alameda. She went on to attend the University of California in Berkeley, and explored numerous titles throughout her career, including owning a dress shop, raising a family, and eventually becoming a real estate agent.
Joan married her first husband, Thomas Lyons, on April 30, 1955. Together, they had six beautiful children, 17 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They raised their family throughout parts of Alameda, Santa Rosa, and Vacaville. Following Tom’s passing, Joan married Armand Maggenti, of Davis, California, on February 15, 2003.
Joan will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church. She had a deep passion for the Eucharist, and was known for her love and devotion to her beloved religion. Whether through her position on the Pastoral Council, as a member on the Stewardship Committee, singing in the church choir, or serving as a Eucharistic Minister each Sunday, Joan was always willing to lend a helping hand to the church. She volunteered for organizations including Guide Dogs for the Blind, and feeding those in need at Maryhouse and Loaves and Fishes.
Joan is survived by five of her children—Anne Heaphy (Mark), John Lyons (Dawn), Joan Lynch (Joe), James Lyons (Karen) and Marie Geisser; her daughter-in-law Diana Lyons; her grandchildren—Jessica Heaphy, Mark Heaphy Jr (Anna), Spencer Heaphy, Erin Heaphy-Miller, Kelsey Civetz (Nick), Ryan Heaphy, Alicia & Andrea Fischer, Jack, Jennifer, Nicole & Emily Lyons, Sean Lynch, Ashley & Luke Lyons, David & Alex Giesser; and by her four great grandchildren—Freya & Zephyr Heaphy, and Scarlet & Zoe Heaphy-Miller; her brother Dr. Joseph Kitterman (Kathy), her sister Alicia Aguilera, and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Thomas Lyons and Armand Maggenti, and son Thomas Lyons Jr.
A viewing will be held on January 16, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville, California. Rosary will start at 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10 a.m. on January 17, 2025, at St. Mary’s, 350 Stinson Ave., Vacaville, California. A reception to follow the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s, 350 Stinson Ave., Vacaville.
A graveside service will be held on January 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.. at All Souls Cemetery; 550 Glen Cove Rd., Vallejo.
