Nov. 2, 1941-March 22, 2015

JoAnn Barbara Houston nee Ferona died March 22 at the age of 73.

JoAnn was born Nov. 2, 1941 to Arthur and Albina Ferona in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The family moved to Glendale in 1951 where JoAnn attended Holy Family grade school, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Glendale High School. She called Glendale her home for many years.

She and husband Richard Felkel spent several years living in La Crescenta before moving to Mammoth Lakes where she enjoyed water sports with the family. She entertained at local establishments in La Crescenta and in Mammoth Lakes. She enjoyed raising her three sons, writing songs and poems, playing her guitar and singing. She spent many hours riding her horse through the local trails and eventually boarded horses at her ranch in Bishop.

Having a penchant for animals, she took in many stray cats and dogs. She always had room for one more. She was a kind and generous woman with a great sense of humor who enjoyed visiting with her family.

As her health began to decline, she returned to La Crescenta and worked in the medical office management field. In later years, she still liked to entertain and was soon leading karaoke groups.

She is survived by three sons: Steven and Robert Felkel of Bishop, and David Felkel of La Crescenta. Her grandchildren include Mitchell Felkel and Megan (Czeschin), Dillon and Brody Felkel as well as Bailee and Tyler Holt. Her great-grandchildren are Wyatt and Whitney Czeschin. She is also survived by her sister Arlene Massimino of Glendale.

A private ceremony is planned and will be held in Bishop.