Joanne May Corona passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 67, surrounded by her children and
family.

Jody, as she was known by those closest to her, was born on January 13, 1957, to George Parks and Elsie Parks Charlson at St. Luke Hospital in Pasadena, California. Jody met the love her life, Richard Corona, as he was finishing up his service with the United States Army. After a short courtship, it was love at first sight and the beautiful young bride said "I Do" to her soldier on October 28, 1972. Together they celebrated 37 years of marriage before his passing in February of 2010.

It was after they married that the couple settled in Richard's hometown of Gilroy, California and their family grew with the addition of their three boys: Luke, Matthew and Richard. When she was just 17, she started her employment at the Gentry Plant in Gilroy working on the Core line. From there, she worked her way up to the Lab Department. When Gentry's merged with Gilroy Foods, her hard work paid off and she was awarded a supervisory position, culminating in a combined total of 30 years of dedicated service.

The Gilroy Hawks wrestling program was a huge part of the Corona Family's lives. All three boys wrestled from a young age and Jody was their biggest fan when they would take to the mat. Not only did she spend countless hours travelling from tournament to tournament to support them, but she also worked behind the scenes for over 15 years as the Gilroy Hawks' secretary, treasurer and unofficial team mom; supporting not only her sons, but any other kid that needed someone to cheer them on.

When the family wasn't wrapped up in wrestling (hard to believe if you truly know the Corona's), Jody enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved camping and fishing with her family, Friday night Bingo at the VFW Hall and trips to the casino with Richard. As time went by, she was blessed with five grandchildren: Madison, Hayden, Logan, Finley and Harper. Jody loved to spoil them, and they filled her heart with joy.

Fast forward to 2014, Jody found herself in a position to become a foster parent to a little red-headed baby boy. Having him in her life seemed to fill part of the hole that was left in her heart after Richard passed. After about two years as his foster parent and loving him as her own, she decided to legally adopt him and he became her fourth son, Thomas Corona.

Jody was loved by many and will forever be missed. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she will be reunited with Richard and her heart will no longer be broken. Jody is survived by sons and daughters-in-law; Luke and Jennifer Corona, Matthew and Melanie Corona; sons Richard Corona and Thomas Corona; grandchildren; Madison, Hayden, Logan, Finley and Harper Corona; brothers and sister-in-law; David McFalls, Jay and Beth Parks; sisters Leslie McCamey, Rhonda Jesser, and Daleen Charlson-Pearse; niece Samantha Rodriguez, with whom she had a close relationship; along with many other nieces, nephews and extended family. Jody was preceded in death by her husband Richard Corona, her parents George Parks and Elsie Parks Charlson, and granddaughter Kaylee Ann Corona.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 4:00pm until 9:00 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy, CA. Funeral Services will begin at Habing Family Funeral Home at 10:00am on Monday, November 25, 2024. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Gilroy.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to the Gilroy Foundation "Richard and Jody Corona Memorial Fund". Donations can be made online at https://gilroyfoundation.org/ or by check; please make check payable to "The Gilroy Foundation" and reference "Richard and Jody Corona Memorial Fund" in the memo portion of your check and mail to Gilroy Foundation, 60 Fourth Street, #208, Gilroy, CA 95020.