Joan Marilyn Knego

Joan Marilyn (O’Keefe) Knego, 86, Died on January 16,2025 surrounded by her family, after a very short battle with cancer.

She was a native of East Sacramento, born and raised at the corner of 39th St and I St. Joan attended Sacred Heart Parish School, St. Francis High School and Sacramento City College. In her youth she worked at the soda fountain of Franke’s Pharmacy and for Sirlin Photography Studios.

She then married Stephen Knego of Watsonville in April, 1960 at Sacred Heart Church, where she and her family were parishioners.

Joan and Steve moved to Watsonville in 1967,where they lived for 25 years, raising four children and building lifelong bonds with many friends. While in Watsonville, Joan was a member of the Moreland Notre Dame Mothers Guild and the Watsonville High boosters club, supporting her children and community. She worked for the State of California in the Employment Development department, retiring in Sacramento after 25 years of service.

Joanie, as many family and friends called her, joined a Bunko group developing strong and lasting friendships and enjoying many adventures.

She was an active member of Sacred Heart Church becoming a Eucharistic Minister at Mercy General Hospital.

Joanie was recognized for her great sense of humor, her quick wit and frequent sarcasm. She adored her family and friends and had a deep devotion to her faith and the rosary, which they all hold deep in their hearts.

Steve and Joan traveled together to many places, including Europe and Mexico. After his passing, Joan traveled with her brother Tom and sister-in-law, Joan, venturing to places such as China, Croatia, Montenegro, India, Poland and Italy. On November 5th, 2024, she traveled with fellow Sacred Heart parishioners to Fatima and Lourdes strengthening her love of our Mother Mary.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Knego, her son Tom Knego and her sister Theresa O’Keefe. She is survived by her daughters, Leah Sakoda and son in law Clarence, Linda Knego and son Peter S. Knego. Also, her grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was so proud of, Captain Stephen Knego US Marine Corps., John Sakoda, Nicole Knego, Nicholas Sakoda, Brian Sakoda and Joseph Knego, her sister Ann Johnson, brother Thomas O’Keefe, sister in law Joan O’Kee and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the oncology department at Mercy Hospital, especially Roy, and the staff at Mercy McMahon for their loving care.

The viewing will be held at W.F. Gormley and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 10:00-4:00pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Monday February 3, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

The burial will follow on Tuesday February 18, 2025 at Valley Catholic Cemetery in Watsonville at 11:00 A.M.