Los Altos Hills Joan Eleanor Frederick Cunneen, born in San Diego, passed away peacefully on March 22, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and community.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Theodore Ridenour Frederick (1904–2001) and Mary Trevorrow Frederick (1903-1999) and sister of William Charles Frederick (1936-1998).

Joan is also predeceased by her loving husband, Wallace V. Cunneen Jr., a proud Naval Aviator. Joan’s (Pookie) and Wally’s (Poo) legendary love affair was marked by rousing musical entertainment and a remarkable bond deeply admired by their family and friends. Her care for her husband in his last years was a lesson in patience, true love, and encouragement to us all.

Joan had a long and wonderful life growing up in an active-service Navy family during the depression and World War II. She spent part of her early childhood in Virginia, completed middle school in Los Angeles, graduated from San Diego’s Coronado High School (‘48) (where she was a Cheerleader and Beauty Queen), and earned her undergraduate degree (‘52) and Master of Education degree (‘54) from Stanford University.

She touched thousands of students’ lives as an elementary school teacher, spanning nearly 50 years. Joan was a pioneer in education. In the 1970’s, she was selected to be a founding faculty member at Palo Alto’s newly repurposed Ohlone Elementary School, which was based on a successful progressive “Open Education” model. While at Ohlone, Joan had the ability to live out her conviction that every child deserved the opportunity to learn in a way that honored their unique strengths, needs, and potential.

For many years, Joan was an avid tennis player (known amongt family as “the human backboard”), deeply loved books (a passion she passed on to her students, children, and grandchildren), and was the number one Race Walker in her Race-Walking Club Age Group. Her boundless compassion for others shone through in every interaction, making people feel truly valued and understood. Throughout her life, Joan was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those she loved. She was a force for good and service in our world and a wonderful wife, Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, and friend. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her, including her children and grandchildren.

Joan leaves behind three children, Wallace V. Cunneen III (Angela), Mary Cunneen Lion (Chip), and Jim Cunneen (Jennifer), a former California State Assemblyman; seven grandchildren, CJ Lion M.D., Moira Cunneen Lion, Ryan Lion M.D. (Hayley), Courtney Cunneen Thomas (Gage), Laura Cunneen (Shane), Caitlin Cunneen (Cole), and Nicholas Cunneen; and one great grandson, Ridenour.

Joan’s family held a private Mass and burial service. Those willing are encouraged to donate to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, or a charity of their choice.