Obituary of Neva Oxford

Neva "Joan" Oxford, 78, of Salinas, passed away Monday, April 19, 2010 at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. Born Neva Joan Andrews October 3, 1931 in Oklahoma, Joan moved to Salinas in 1947. A graduate of Salinas High School, Joan was proud to earn her AA from Hartnell College as an adult. Retired from the Alisal Union School District, Joan loved bowling with her friends and participated in several state tournaments. Loving wife to her husband of 60 years and mother of two sons, Joan was also a loving daughter; sister; daughter-in-law; sister in-law; aunt; grand-mother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed waterskiing with her family; spending time at the family cabin outside of Yosemite; fishing; raising her "pet" chickens; playing the slot machines; quilting and crocheting. Her family remembers her for her caring nature and for her strong will. She was active in the CSEA Union negotiations with the school district and "fought city hall" when a street project affected their property on Market Street. Her father-in-law (Haskell Paden) called her "his lawyer". She is survived by Her husband A. Dale Oxford two sons Michael E. Oxford and Dennis W. Oxford daughter-in law Terry J. Oxford brother Kenneth D. Andrews grandson Michael E Oxford II and his wife Katie four great grand-children Jessey Aimee Carrie Kiley Oxford 14 nieces and nephews Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Ginevra Winney; sister, Jeanne Johnson; granddaughter, Jennifer M. Oxford; and Grandson Matthew D. Oxford. The Oxford family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all that have offered prayers and support. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Joan's name to The American Cancer Society and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital