Joy Ann Goldstein

Joy Ann Goldstein of Whittier, California, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully early Tuesday April 19, 2016 as her son serenaded her to heaven. She was a strong yet kind and loving woman who fought a courageous battle with cancer. Words cannot express the absence those who knew her feel without her.

Joy will always be remembered, loved and missed by her best friend and loving husband Bernie Goldstein; son, Darren Goldstein; daughter, Yvette Murphy; daughter, Michelle Hearon with her husband Duff; grandson, Joshua Murphy with his family Lydia and Leilani; granddaughter, Heather Hearon with her family Josh and Caden; granddaughter, Megan Skaalen with her family Jon and Morris; grandson Duff Hearon with his wife Julia; granddaughter, Emmie Milam and family Rusty, Sara, Rosabella, Robert and Breonuh; sister, Lillian Bernauer with her husband Joe; brother, Lester Godbout with his angel Anne; and reunited with her brothers, Frankie, Wayne and Billy.

Joy will also be missed by her very loving extended family, Rita Dreebin, Judy Goldstein, Arthur Goldstein with his wife Elizabeth, Steph and Gil Hewitt with their daughter Breeann, Michael Dreebin with his fiancé Elizabeth, as well as countless friends.

The name Joy so perfectly captured her nature and outlook on life. She was born on June 20, 1933 to Lillian and Francis Godbout in Tucson, AZ. She attended Saints Peter and Paul for parochial school and graduated from Tucson High School. She was hard working, managed and owned many businesses long before it was common for women in the workplace, and made her way to California. Over the last 30 years her dedication and devotion to her faith took shape as The Good Shepherd Catholic book store in La Habra, CA. She had an uncanny ability to connect with people quickly and in unexpected places, often receiving hugs from perfect strangers.

She was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. She was a loyal wife, caring mother, and expert cheerleader to her grandchildren. Joy had a sense of humor that could knock you off your feet, a sharp mind that kept you on your toes, a devotion to her faith that inspired many and an ability to forgive that brought peace. Those closest to her will miss her jokes, love and prayers