Joan Zacher Obituary

Joan Gregg Zacher

October 26, 1941 - June 3, 2025

Montecito, California - Joan "Joanie" Gregg Zacher passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 3, 2025, in Montecito, California.

JOANIE: There was only one JOANIE.

Born Joan Elizabeth Gregg in Kansas City in 1941 to her loving parents, Joseph B. Gregg and Cynthia A. Pickering. She graduated from The Barstow School for Girls in 1959 and went on to attend the University of Missouri, where she earned her degree in 1963. During her time at the University of Missouri, she was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, forming lifelong friendships.

After graduating from college, Joanie moved to New York City and worked as an editor for Sports Illustrated magazine. After three years, she returned to Kansas City to join the legendary designer, Peggy Sloan, decorating the homes of Kansas City's elite.

Following the passing of Joanie's first husband and the father of her son, Gregg, she moved to La Jolla, CA. Joanie quickly became an active member of the La Jolla community making friendships and memories, including those through her 30-year membership at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and her 20 years as a volunteer with Las Patronas.

After moving to Phoenix in 1976, she easily made friends and built relationships. She returned to La Jolla in 1986 to become the Special Events Coordinator for the newly opened Hyatt Regency La Jolla. There, she utilized her talents to entertain both at the hotel and host celebrations for friends and family.

Joanie spent her adult years in La Jolla, Phoenix, and Montecito. Wherever she was, she was known by her friends for her vivacious spirit, impeccable taste, and lust for life.

Beyond her working life, Joanie had a lifelong passion and serious eye for decorating, whether it be providing consultation to her friends and their home remodels or one of her vacation homes in South Carolina, West Virginia and Palm Desert.

In 1994, Joanie met the love of her life, Gerhardt (Gery) Zacher. After their marriage in 1996, they transitioned from La Jolla to Montecito in 2006. Joanie once again built friendships over the 19 years of her life in Montecito through her philanthropic activities and membership in The Garden Club of Santa Barbara.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Billy and Joe Gregg, and her parents, Joe and Cynthia Gregg. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gery Zacher, her son Gregg Palmer, daughter-in-law Leigh, her grandchildren, Will and Zoe, her sister, Cynthia Gregg Sifers, her niece, Helen Sifers, and nephew Joe Gregg.

As you remember Joanie, perhaps take a moment and think of the time, she made you smilea shared laugh, a warm hug, a thoughtful gesture. Let that memory bring light to your heart and simply smile.

A celebration of life will be held at a future private event for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.