Joanne M. Schivley

Joanne M. Schivley passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, at the age of ninety-two with loving family members at her side. In addition to being devoted to her family, she was a Vallejo icon and gave her heart and soul to the City of Vallejo. Joanne was born on June 14, 1932, and prided herself in sharing a birthday with Flag Day. She attended Vallejo schools graduating from Vallejo High School in 1949. Joanne was a ‘banker’ tried and true, beginning her career with Bank of America as a teller. Her life took an abrupt change when she was stricken with polio in 1951, which resulted in her living the rest of her life as a ‘post-polio’ paraplegic. Following a long hospitalization and rehabilitation, Joanne returned to her career at Bank of America without blinking an eye. She worked there for nearly 50 years and served in multiple roles within the bank, including Bank Manager and Commercial Loan Officer prior to her retirement in 1999. She was devoted to the City of Vallejo, serving three terms on the City Council. In addition, Joanne served on the Planning Commission and many other civic committees for the betterment of the community. She knew everyone and was constantly stopped by friends and acquaintances wanting to say, “hello”, and thanking her for whatever she had most recently done. She was indeed a legend of a lady. She was gracious and classic to the core and never left the house without her lipstick and a smile. She loved the theater, art, and people, in addition to the City of Vallejo. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Morriss and a husband, Hugh Schivley in 1990. She is survived by her niece, Diane Merrick, nephew Philip Dickinson (Cyndi), nephew John Ziegler (Diane), and niece, Georgia Cochran (Rick). Visitation will be held for Joanne at Twin Chapels Mortuary on Tuesday, December 3rd from 4- 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at Twin Chapels Mortuary. Her burial will be private. Her friends and family are invited to attend a reception at Zio Fraedos following the services to share their fond memories of Joanne. The epitome of her life can be summed up by the following, “If you can’t stand up, stand out.” Make no mistake; she will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made by donation to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Fund or the donor’s favorite charity.

Joanne M. Schivley

June 14, 1932 - November 16, 2024