Joan "Joanie" Rita Evola, peacefully passed away at home, at the age of 76 on June 6, 2022. She was born on July 28, 1945, in Pittsburg, California, the daughter of Joseph Billeci (longtime local businessman, former Mayor & community leader) and Pearl (DiMercurio). Joanie was preceded in death by her parents and brother Cyril "Bill" Billeci and is survived by her loving husband, Nolan, son Salvatore, daughter-in-law Vicki, grandchildren Joseph, and Gabriella, sister Anne Romeo, and brother Mark Billeci.
Joanie and Nolan were high school sweethearts who met and fell in love as sophomores while attending Pittsburg High. They graduated in 1963 and were married in 1967 and had a loving marriage for 55 years. Both were born and raised in Pittsburg, and both were extremely active in several community activities including: St. Peter Martyr School, Church of the Good Shepherd, Pittsburg Boys and Girls Club, and the Pittsburg Historical Society just to name a few. Joanie served as treasurer and bookkeeper for the Pittsburg Historical Society for approximately 20 years where Nolan continues to volunteer today. In 2012, they were both honored by the Soroptimist International of Pittsburg where they received the Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award.

In her early years Joanie was employed as an executive assistant for the Pittsburg Unified School District at Highlands Elementary, where she was well-liked by staff, teachers, and students. She could also frequently be found helping her husband at Evola's Pittsburg Drug and True-Value Hardware store.

Joanie retired at an early age from the school district after 17 years, after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Several years later, and notwithstanding her physical limitations, she decided to attend class at Pittsburg Adult Ed and LMC where she learned additional computer and bookkeeping skills. A bit later, she regularly volunteered part time at the Chamber of Commerce and helped as needed. Never one to be idle, she also was able to help other community organizations and worthy causes including the California Waterfowl Association, PHS Class of 1963 Reunion Committee, Seafood Festival, Relay for Life, and Friends of Isola delle Femmine. And needless to say, with a politically active father & son, she worked tirelessly on countless political campaigns and various fundraisers over the years.
Joanie was always a well-organized and hands-on hard worker. Frequently down in the trenches, doing whatever she could to improve things for those organizations within the community that needed help.
As dedicated as she was to community service, her true passion in life was to her family and friends. This included travelling the world, entertaining & hosting holiday gatherings, her monthly sewing club with her group of lifelong girlfriends, and of course spending time with her two grandchildren. Joanie was strong in her Catholic faith and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all.

Funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:30am, at Church of the Good Shepherd. Joanie has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to the Pittsburg Historical Museum in her name.