Joan Rachael Galanty, a resident of Pacific Palisades since 1966, passed away at her home on January 13 from post-surgery complications. She was 72. After being diagnosed with pre-malignant pancreatic cancer, Joan tried hard to recover following a Whipple procedure, performed last September 17 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. She was a courageous fighter and an inspiration to those who knew her. Born March 18, 1935 in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Joan married Sidney Galanty, her childhood sweetheart since the age of 15, in 1954. The couple and their two children moved to Los Angeles in 1966 from Rockville, Maryland, when Sidney relocated with Dancer Fitzgerald and Sample, a national advertising agency. Sidney and Joan had a wonderfully full and beautiful life raising their kids, working and traveling all over the world. Besides being a ‘typical mom,’ Joan attended Antioch College and became a practicing marriage and family therapist in 1988. In addition to her private practice, she was a supervisor and counselor at the Southern California Counseling Center for more than 15 years, during which time she took great pride in helping others. Joan was an amazing person and had a profound effect on everyone she met. She was loved by her family and friends and was dedicated to all who were near to her. She doted on her grandchildren and was known as the ‘gum god’ by her grandkids. Joan was always there for the big and small moments of their lives. Joan also loved to knit and play mahjong, discuss books with her book club, meet with her women’s group, decorate, and enjoy time with Sidney and their friends. A memorial service was held on January 20 at Back at the Beach Caf’ in Santa Monica, Joan’s favorite restaurant, where she and Sidney had enjoyed dining and watching sunsets with family and friends. Eating dinner here with her family the night before her surgery, Joan was radiant, optimistic and ready to face whatever came her way. The Galanty family thanks Fred Deni and Jim Christel, close friends and owners of the restaurant, for their friendship, help and support. Dr. David Kraemer, professor of Judaic theology in New York, conducted Joan’s memorial service, after flying out to Los Angeles at Sidney’s request. The Galantys had befriended Dr. Kraemer through his parents, who were dear friends in Pacific Palisades. They spent much time with the rabbi and admired the way he conducted a memorial service for his own father two years ago. The Galanty family was also honored by the participation of Cantor Steven Puzarne, who played flute and guitar during Joan’s service. ‘ In addition to Sidney, her husband of 53 years, Joan is survived by her son, Mark (wife Caroline) of Culver City; her daughter, Beth Galanty-Blaney (husband Michael) of Santa Monica; grandchildren Matthew, Jack, Melissa, Liam, Evan and Emma; and her brother, Herbie (wife Marcie) of New Jersey. A scrapbook of memories written by Joan’s friends and family is being compiled for Joan’s grandchildren. Anyone with memories, stories or photos can send them to: Beth Galanty-Blaney, 1948 18th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404; or e-mail bg.blaney@verizon.net Donations in honor of Joan Galanty can be made to either: St. John’s Health Center Foundation, Attn: Cookie Galanty, 1328 22nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90404, or The Jewish Theological Seminary Library, in honor of Joan Galanty, Development Office, Box 62, 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027.
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