June 1, 2006

Joan Warager passes away

Joan Warager, who lived in Willow Glen for years, died recently following a stroke. She was born on Aug. 2, 1936 and passed away on May 7.

“She had the strongest spirit of anyone I have ever known, says Sheryl Ruth, a friend of Mrs.Warager, who died peacefully in her sleep at home on Sunday, May 7.

Mrs. Warager, known for her love of children and family, worked for over 20 years at KNTV, Channel 11, where she served as executive assistant for the ABC affiliate from the early 1960s. "I've never known anyone who was loved by more people and generated more devotion from others," says longtime friend Stew Park. 

She was born in Cutbank, Mont. but moved to California in the 1940s. 

Mrs. Warager is survived by her husband Leonard of San Jose; brother Larry Miller of  Rocklin, Calif.; son Tim and Denise Ammann and granddaughter Sarah of Santa Clara;  and stepson David Warager and his wife Laurie, and children Meghan and Brian Warager of  New York; stepdaughter Patti and Garth Johnston and their children Ethan and Andrew  of  Pennsylvania and niece Nicky Cunningham of  Colfax, Calif.  She was preceded in death by her sister Dianna Rassler of Las Vegas and her son Tony Ammann of San Jose.

"Because Joan so loved magical places, and she did teas for children for years in her Willow Glen home, it seemed appropriate to celebrate her life in a garden," says her husband Len.

Services were May 17 at Hakone Gardens, Saratoga. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Pathways Hospice, 585 North Mary Ave, Sunnyvale, Calif.  94085 or Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, Calif., 95128.