Joanne Florence Osella 8/25/1931–10/16/2023

Joanne Florence Osella passed away October 16, 2023, with her son, daughter and son-in-law at her side. Joanne was born August 25, 1931, the youngest child of Ernest Carl Sawtell and Florence Shellhous Sawtell. Joanne survived her brother, William Carl Sawtell and sister, Marilyn Harris. Her great-grandfather, Martin Schellhous, and great-grand uncle Dr. E.J. Schellhous, were some of the first explores, pioneers, and settlers of Placer County and the Roseville area. Her grandfather, William Sawtell, was Roseville's first mayor. Joanne attended Dry Creek School through the 8th grade and graduated from Roseville High School where she met her "husband to be", Roy Osella. She continued her education at Sierra College studying liberal arts. Joanne married her high school sweetheart, December 16, 1951. The newlyweds moved to San Luis Obispo where Roy was attending California Polytechnic State University. Joanne worked at the university until Roy graduated and her first child was born. The couple moved to Gonzalez and then Salinas while Roy completed student teaching and worked as a teacher. The couple eventually moved back to Roseville to be closer to their families. Roy taught at Roseville High School in the mechanical arts department and Joanne had her second child. The couple worked on the Sawtell Ranch, built a home, and raised a family. Joanne worked many years in temporary and part time jobs until she was hired by the State of California as an administrative secretary in the State Water Resource Control Board. Roy passed away in 1992 and Joanne continued working until her retirement in 1997. Joanne had many hobbies and interests. She was an avid reader, a classically trained pianist, a seamstress, could knit and crochet, loved dogs, enjoyed gardening and spending time with family at the Sawtell Cabin on the American River, where she practiced many of her hobbies. Joanne was a stained-glass artist and with her dear friend, Theresa Haight created a business and commissioned their art to customers. Joanne's love of art motivated her to volunteer at the Roseville Art Center for many years. Joanne is survived by her children, Debbie Silveira and Joe Osella, her grandchildren, Danielle and Laura Silveira, Sarah Swift and Thomas Osella and was blessed with two great grandchildren, Owen and Nora Swift. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Joanne's memory to the Placer County SPCA in Roseville. Cochrane and Wagemann of Roseville are handling arrangements.