Joanna Gilbert Moreno

Jo Anna Gilbert Moreno, 81, of La Mesa passed away January 2, 2014. Born in Kansas City and raised on a 320-acre dairy farm in Davis, South Dakota, Jo Anna relocated with her family to San Diego in 1942. In 1950 she graduated from Hoover High School where she won honors in the speech and debate competitions. She studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and upon graduation in 1952 she became an airline hostess for TWA based in Kansas City. In 1955 she married her high school sweetheart Luis Moreno and eventually settled in La Mesa to raise her two daughters. In the 60s she was PTA President at Northmont Elementary. She worked for Schwab Realty in the 70s, which led to a career at Grossmont Bank, where she worked until she retired as the Training Officer in 1999. An avid reader with a passion for history and politics, fierce sports fan, dog lover and crossword puzzle whiz, she had a ferocious zest for knowledge. Jo Anna was everyone's favorite mom and loyal friend partly due to her quick wit and fantastic sense of humor. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Stalker of La Mesa and Cecelia Moreno of Oceanside. She also is survived by two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sons-law, and by her brother Bob Gilbert.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 14, 2014 at 3pm at her favorite place, The Beach Cottages In Pacific Beach. The family requests donation to Scripps Hospice (http://www.scripps.org/about-us/giving/how-to-give/memorial-tribute-gifts)
Until then, look to the heavens, raise your glass (preferably scotch!) and toast to a wonderful mother, grandmother, and amazing friend who is missed by all.