We are sad to let you know that our dear Joanna Matos passed away this week. Joanna was a special member of our Press Photographers’ family. Among many accomplishments, Joanna was the first woman to lead the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles as president in 1979. She was well respected in a male dominated industry. She was more than well respected, she was well loved. She was a bright light in our group.
Joann Arlene ‘Joanna’ (Deeter) Matos, a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away on Friday, September 13th 2024, and is now with the Lord.
Joanna was born in Gary Indiana on December 1st 1929 to Warden Deeter and Helen Metz. She was the oldest of four siblings including Shirley Forney, Sally Springer and William (Hank) Deeter.
She is survived by her middle sister Shirley Forney (93), her daughter Janet Carlow, Joyce Smith (deceased) and two sons Gary and Christopher Matos. Joanna was blessed with nine grandchildren; Zachary and Kelsey Carlow; Nathan, Thea and Phillip Matos; Russell and Erin Matos; Dylan Smith and Matthew Pontratig. She also celebrated her eight great grandchildren; Benjamin and Aubrey (Carlow) Tate; Hue Carlow; Joanna, Clark and Daphne (Matos) Moshofsky and Arabella and Cullen Smith. Joanna’s Husband, Walter Gilmore Matos, proceeded her in death in 2001.
Joanna’s adventures started at an early age of 22. After visiting California with her sister and two friends in 1950, she returned to Indiana, loaded up her car and headed west. In San Diego, she was promptly hired by Conair and met her future husband, Walter Matos, at a naval dance party. The Korean War took them to Guam for two years before returning to California and settling in Orange County. Although she was always active with the local PTA, Joanna will be remembered as an outgoing Girl Scout leader that loved the outdoors and scaled many trails and Sierra Mountain peaks with her high school girls.
After her four children were well on their way, Joanna re-invented herself at the age of 45 as a Photojournalist. She obtained an Associate Degree at Fullerton Junior College and then worked for the La Habra Star and Santa Ana Register newspaper companies. In 1976, she joined the staff at Knott’s Berry Farm as their Public Relations Photographer where she worked for nearly a decade. Joanna quickly became recognized for her candid and award winning action photographs. She broke the mold becoming the first woman to photograph USC and Los Angeles Ram football along with the Anaheim Angels baseball games.
In 1979, Joanna set another first by being elected President of the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles, where she was a member for 50 years. In 2022, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her many landmarks and years of service. She was a founder of the Student Scholarship Award, helping many students for more than 30 years. Through her humble and professional demeanor, Joanna paved the way for all future female photographers.
In 1985, Joanna shifted her professional career and joined Stevenson-Asher Travel where she specialized in cruise ship excursions for 20 years. Of all the places she traveled, Joanna especially liked Poland and Russia but also had very memorable experiences in Norway, Africa, Cuba and the Artic. Her home was a fascinating and visual museum of her travels. Many Leisure World residents participated in cruises that she organized as a contract travel agent following her retirement.
Joanna moved into Leisure World, Mutual 2, in November of 2000. As was typical with her embodiment, she wasted no time in becoming involved with the Traveling Tigers, Photography, Astronomy, Lapidary, Garden and Rollin Thunder Cart Clubs. She served as the Building Captain for her mutual for over 20 years, participated in the Emergency Buddy System and was an active member of CERT. She also wrote numerous articles for the LW Weekly chronicling community events or her storied world travels. Outside of LW, Joanna was a member of the Southern California Prowler’s Car Club where she hosted many fund raising events for our veterans of war. She had a lifelong passion for classic cars and Route 66.
Most recently, she could be seen zipping around Leisure World in her Club Car, attending a concert at the amphitheater or enjoying a simple meal on Taco Tuesday. Joanna liked wearing festive colors and clothing and was always a shining light to everyone she met. Rarely did a person pass her home without being greeted with a friendly hello or an encouraging word.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Joanna at the Leisure World Methodist Church at 11AM, Saturday, November 16 at 14000 Church Pl., Seal Beach, CA. The family asks all to please wear their brightest “Joanna” inspired clothing for a celebration. Following our time in the church there will be casual lunch and more sharing. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Student Scholarship Fund at the Press Photographers Assoc. of Greater Los Angeles. Joanna was a founder of this award, helping students for over 30 years.
