Joanne Zaira Gori StrallaJuly 9, 1941December 2, 2016It is with deepest regret and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Joanne Stralla. Joanne passed away at her home on Friday, December 2, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 9,1941 to her parents, Roy and Norma Gori. Joanne spent all of her life in the town she loved, Sparks. She attended Mary Lee Nicholls Elementary, Robert Mitchell Elementary, Sparks Junior High, and graduated with honors from Sparks High School in 1959. After graduating from high school, Joanne went to work for what was then known as Nevada Bell. She held many different jobs during her career, and she always seemed to rise to the top level, whether it was working at the Tower Theater as an usherette, or becoming the Credit and Collections Manager at NV Energy, and the Ombudsman for Truckee Meadows Water Authority. A chance meeting at the Sparks Bowlarium in 1956 resulted in a flirtation that would last fifty-six years. Joanne had met the love of her life, John Stralla, and they were married in 1960. John was stationed at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base, and they set up their first household in Oceanside, California. Shortly thereafter, John was discharged, and they came home to Sparks to have their son, Roy, and their daughter, Anamarie.An avid golfer, Joanne was a member of the Sierra Sage Ladies Club, and the Nevada Ladies Senior Golf. She was also a very active member of the Sparks Sons of Italy and served as its President.Joanne had many accomplishments, but her proudest accomplishment was her family. She was an outstanding cook, and loved having her family around her as she fed them traditional Italian dinners. Of course, Dean Martin, Joanne's favorite, would always be serenading in the background. Our family will truly miss these special times.Joanne was preceded in death by her mother, Norma, and her grandmother and grandfather, Zaira and Ottavino Boanini. She is survived by her husband, John, her son, Roy and wife Tracy, her daughter, Anamarie, and her father, Roy Gori and his wife, Kay. She is also survived by her sister, Marianne Gori Campbell, and her grandchildren, Johnny, Gabriel, Katherine, Quincy and Xander.Also surviving are her nieces, Melissa Lewis and Julie Mayer.A Celebration of Life will be held on December 16th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2900 McCarran Boulevard, Sparks, Nevada at eleven o'clock. A reception will follow at the Church hall.The family asks that you please leave your condolence messages in the "Book of Memories" www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com