It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joy Gilberta Pastori. Joy was born on April 5, 1938 to William and Isabella Pasquini in Eureka. Joy passed away on January 26 at the age of 86 at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House.

She grew up in Eureka and Vallejo. She was the best sister to her siblings Bill, John Lee and Judy. She was extremely proud that her mother was the first female traffic officer in Humboldt County. Her life changed forever on April 16, 1955 when she had a blind date with Jim Pastori, who became the love of her life. They went on to marry December 31, 1959 and were married almost 60 years. Together they owned and operated Harris and K Market and Three Corners Market for over 55 years. Their four kids — James, Cynthia, Rick and Yvette — were her world, and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t have done for them. All her children agree that having her as a mother was the greatest honor of all.

Joy leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that no one could match. She brought joy no matter where she went. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt and friend anyone could ask for. She was her happiest when surrounded by family. She’s infamous for her great cooking, holiday decor (especially Christmas) and love of shopping. She treasured her many shopping trips with Charlene Lundblade and Jeani Vallee. Her grandkids will always remember her as the best back scratcher and their biggest fan. She and Jim traveled far and wide to catch as many of their events as they could. Her favorite place to be was their family summer home in Redway. Thankfully, Jim didn’t know all the things she let her kids get away with. She thrived in the role of “cool mom.” She was a mother figure to many and touched a lot of hearts and lives.

Joy leaves behind her loving children, Jim Pastori, Rick Pastori, Cindy (Tom) Losa, Yvette (Jason) Pastori-Ables; grandchildren Shelby (Jared) Lund, Jon (Kendra) Losa, James (Hayley) Pastori, Kendra Losa, Nicole Pastori, Colton and Kylie Ables; great-granchildren Dawsyn and Rye Pastori, Leo Lund and three more on the way; sister Judy Ford; sister-in-laws Yvonne Wahlund and Judy (Carl) Rorling; and many nieces and nephews.

Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Pastori; parents William and Isabella Pasquini; brothers Bill and John Lee Pasquini; and brother-in-law Randy Ford.

In honor of Joy’s life, a celebration of life will be held on March 22 at 3 p.m. at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfiker Lane in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joy Pastori’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.