Joan Mandell

GLENDALE, Calif. — Joan Farley Mandell, 76, formerly of Princeton, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at her home in Glendale, Calif., after a brief battle with brain and lung cancer. She was attended by her husband, Robert Mandell; her sister, Judy (Farley) O'Brien of Princeton; and "son" Josh Burton. Joan is also survived by her daughter, Marissa Rafter, son Sean (Teresa) Burton and one niece, Erin O'Brien (Roger Johnson).

Joan was born Nov. 15, 1938, to Ralph and Evelyn Farley of rural Princeton. She was later joined by two sisters, Rita and Judy. Joan graduated from Princeton High School, class of '56, and attended one year at the University of Illinois. At the tender age of 18, she moved by herself to Los Angeles, Calif., where she established a successful advertising agency. In 1984, Joan reconnected with and married her college sweetheart, Robert Mandell.

In addition to being a very successful business woman, Joan was a master gardener. Though her back yard was small, it contained as many as 120 rose bushes and a multitude of other flower varieties, as well as numerous citrus and avocado trees.

Joan never forgot her Midwestern values of reaching out, volunteering and helping people in need, whether a friend or stranger. She was a mentor and surrogate mother to many, many young people. She looked out for elderly neighbors, visited the sick and fought for what she believed in. In other words, she lived a life of relevance and inspiration.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rita Valentine; and one niece, Laurel O'Brien Gee.

A memorial reception was held Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles. Memorials may be directed to VITAS Hospice Care or Compassion and Choices.