Joan Deignan Taylor

Joan Deignan Taylor, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother , sister, aunt , and devoted Catholic, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, surrounded by her daughters and family just days after celebrating her 90th birthday with those she loved.

Joan was born in Tampico, Mexico, on September 18,1936. She graduated from high school early and with honors, beginning a life marked by intelligence, determination, faith and devotion to her family.

In 1955, Joan married Eugene Taylor, and they shared a marriage that lasted until his passing in 2013. Together they raised three daughters and built a loving family that remained the center of Joan’s life.

Joan was the beloved mother of Ellen Vigna (Jeffry Vigna), Geraldine Kobert (Richard Kobert) and Desiree Melody (Stephen Melody).

She was the proud grandmother of John Garrett Vigna(deceased), Courtney Vigna, Elizabeth Pisani, (Nick Pisani) Taylor Melody, Trevor Melody, Alexis Melody(Ryan Olivier),Christian Melody.

She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Ava, Mia and Theo Pisani.

Joan was the sister of May Ornelas(deceased) and beloved aunt to Arturo, Fernando(deceased), Linda and Terri.

Joan devoted many years to raising her daughters and as a stat-at-home mother. Later, she became a Certified Medical Assistant, bringing her caring nature and dedication to her work.

Joan had a lifelong love of flowers and was a member of the Orchid Society for many years. Her love of flowers was one of the many things that brought her joy.

Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She was a devout Catholic and later became an active member of the Catholic Daughters, where she was honored as Member of the Year in Sacramento.

Joan also had a great love of travel and adventure. She and Eugene traveled to countries around the globe and enjoyed more than 30 cruises together. Among their many adventures was sailing through the Panama Canal and around the Horn. After Eugene’s passing she continued to travel with her best friend of 50 years, Jeanette Erwin. Their friendship brought many more adventures and treasured memories. On one of her final cruises, Joan was recognized by the Captain as one of the most traveled guests- a fitting tribute to a woman who truly loved seeing the world.

Joan leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and whose lives were shaped by her love, faith, strength and devotion. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Her greatest legacy is the family she created and the love she gave so generously throughout her life.

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