Joan Catherine Hatton's Obituary
Joan Catherine Hatton nee Maraschiello, 83, a 57 year resident of San Bernardino, died on Sunday November 10, 2024 after a 5 year battle with breast cancer. She died in her home, as she wished, attended by her beloved husband John.
Joan was born on August 24, 1941 to Mary (nee Surra) and John Maraschiello in Buffalo, New York. In 1947 when Joan was 6 years old the family, now of four including her younger brother Jack, moved to Phoenix, Arizona for her mother’s health. She began her Catholic education in the parochial school across the street from the family home, St
Agnes. She continued her education St Mary’s High School where she formed lifelong friendships. Joan was part of a pioneering program at St Mary’s that had boys and girls learning together in college preparation classes. At the age of 16, after graduating from high school, Joan went on to study nursing at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, where she formed more lifelong friendships.
After graduating with a nursing degree and a Bachelor of Science, Joan and a classmate moved to Palo Alto, California to accept nursing positions at the newly opened Stanford Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital as a psychiatric nurse. There, on the psychiatric ward, she met John Hatton, a Stanford doctoral candidate in clinical psychology. She said later, that she saw him and set her hat for him. Joan and John were married shortly after. Their first child, Kevin was born in 1964, followed 3 years later by daughter Jennifer. In 1967, John accepted a position at the newly opened California State College at San Bernardino and they moved to the city where they would remain until this day. They found a home in the North End in a new housing tract full of young families that was the perfect place to raise a family. Lifelong friendships were made. Two years later, their family became complete when Colin was born.
Joan worked as an RN at the old county hospital in San Bernardino until she chose to stay at home with her children. When Colin started school, she got her Real Estate license and began her second professional career. She worked as a residential specialist in San Bernardino for 30 years and she loved helping people find the right home for them.
During her life in San Bernardino Joan was involved in many groups and organizations including a neighborhood babysitting co-op, cub scouts as a den mother, Italian-Jewish mothers book club, Cal State Faculty wives, Assistance League, and an investment club for which she was the secretary for many years. Her proudest volunteer work was for Santa Claus Incorporated, where for many years she was the “doll lady”. Hundreds of little girls every Christmas season received dolls that Joan prepared and wrapped, many dressed in clothes that Joan sewed herself.
Joan was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed John a Nehru jacket as a Christmas gift, her granddaughter’s prom dress and her daughter’s wedding dress. When Kevin was a school teacher for the Rialto School District, Joan embroidered caps for his students every year.
Joan loved to cook and bake and make desserts. Her family especially loved her “eggs goldenrod” every Easter Brunch.
Joan and John were avid bridge players and played with several groups of friends. Joan played in a women’s bridge group that endured for decades, another lifelong group of friends.
A turning point in the family history was losing their house in the 1980 Panorama Fire that burned over 300 homes. Joan herself designed the new house that was the family home for the rest of her life.
Joan and John spent a lifetime traveling the world together, often with friends and family. They enjoyed traveling independently, on organized tours, and cruises.
Joan was on several game shows in the 70s, even winning a car on Concentration.
The Scottish Terrier was the family dog. There were 3 pairs of Scotties over the course of her life, each pair named Nessie and Stoney.
Joan and John loved living in San Bernardino and stayed because of the kindness and friendliness of its residents.
Survived by Husband John, Children Kevin and his wife Karen, Jennifer and her husband Mike, Colin and his wife Donna; granddaughter Leah; brother Jack Maraschiello and his wife Gail; niece Gina Kelley and her husband Shaun and their children Patrick, Tegan and Liam; and close friends the Olaguibel family.
On Thursday November 21 at 11 am, there will be a memorial mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church at 796 W 48th St, San Bernardino, CA followed by a reception at Hilltop Banquet Hall (formerly The Castaways) at 670 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino.
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