Joanna Lavish (Pineda)

March 10, 1995 – March 11, 2025

Joanna Lavish, 30, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on March 11, 2025, leaving behind a world that was infinitely brighter because of her. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and friend, known for her infectious laugh, unwavering kindness, and a heart that loved deeply.

Born in Anaheim, CA, Joanna moved to Kansas City at a young age and quickly fell in love with everything about the Midwest—the changing seasons, the city's energy, and most importantly, the people who became her family. After graduating from Kansas State University in 2018, she remained in the KC metro area, building a life filled with love, laughter, and a touch of chaos (usually courtesy of her two beloved dogs, Newt Scamander and Wesley Crusher, whom she adored as her own children).

Joanna dedicated her career to helping others, most recently as an administrative assistant for the Plastic Surgery team at Children's Mercy Hospital. Outside of work, she fostered rescue dogs through Unleashed Pet Rescue, offering them safety and love before they found their forever homes.

She was the definition of joy—someone who could turn an ordinary moment into something special. Whether it was brunch with mimosas, hot tub parties, or scream-singing Taylor Swift, she embraced life with full force. She had a deep love for anything involving a beach, bad horror movies, and her "wild squirrel babies," whom she diligently fed every morning from their tiny picnic table on the deck. Her traditions, from margarita-and-queso Home Goods trips with Cassie to wrapping herself up "like a burrito" every night in bed, will be remembered by those lucky enough to have shared them with her.

Joanna was fiercely loyal, showing up for others even when she was struggling herself. She put people first, always making sure those she loved felt seen, heard, and supported—especially on their birthdays, when she made it her mission to create something truly special. She was goofy, kind, and occasionally "annoying" (as she'd joke with Shaun), but above all, she was love.

She is survived by her husband, Shaun Lavish; her father, Fulver Pineda; her brothers, Omar and Henry Pineda; and her closest friends, Bethany Klein, Cassie Enright-Pokorney, and Erin Buchl. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosa Pineda.

Joanna's presence in this world was a gift, and while she may be gone, her love and light will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. A private service for close friends and family will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her Memorial Tree Fund by contacting Shaun Lavish.

Her final words would undoubtedly be the ones she spoke most often—"I love you." And for those she left behind, that love will never fade.