Joanne ( Joan) Cochran 72, passed into God’s love early Aug. 15, 2025 peacefully at home in Mariposa CA with family by her side. Her death was due to the recurrence of breast cancer after a remission of several years.
She was born in May 1953 to Richard Francis and Ann Marie Bertke in Cleveland, Ohio.
Her education included Magnificat High School and Ohio University, then Pacific Oaks College where she earned a Masters of Art in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling.
She was a gifted organ and piano player which lead her as a young adult to an occupation of selling pianos. She received a national award for top sales.
Taking her great sales and business skills, she established a large successful Home Health Care Agency in Ohio. Because of the need for skilled nurses aides, they added an education branch. This was the beginning of her grief and loss experience.
Spending a lot of time between Ohio and California, she settled in the L.A. area in 1991. In the early 2000s, Joan began the first center for children that focused on children who were suffering from a loss and guidance for the guardians of those children.
She was one of the advisors asked to come to Washington to work out a plan for the families of 9/11. She later began grief conferences in L.A.
Joan retired in Mariposa, not only because of the beautiful surroundings and peaceful environment, but also because she had an ancestor, George Bertken (Bertke) Sr., who settled here in 1852. She worked for a bit as a chaplain for a home health care agency, a job she had also done in L.A.
Many have described Joan as special, gentle and compassionate. That she helped others in need. She was all of that, but she also had an elfish childlike quality with a sparkle in her eye and beautiful smile that would draw you to her. She loved watching sports and kept up with current events. She loved to tell a story that would make everyone laugh. Even if the moment was dark she could bring light and joy to it.
Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, Richard (Rick) Bertke.
Survivors include her wife of 28 years, Olivia Marie Cochran and daughter Ruby Anne Cochran; her sister, Susan (Susie) Pawlosky and brother, Thomas (Tom) Bertke. Also extended family and friends near and far.
Joan was grateful for all those who touched her life and affected her journey and in the strength, hope and guidance of God’s love. She is and will be very much missed by those who knew and loved her. The world is a better place for her presence.
Please omit flowers. Any correspondence for the family may be sent to P.O. Box 188, Mariposa, CA 95338.
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