Joan was the only child of Charles and Loraine (Donkers) Twitchell and a lifelong resident of the Moreland-Sellwood area. She graduated St. Agatha School in 1943 and St. Mary’s Academy in 1947. She was employed as a Radiology Technician until retirement in 1989.

Joan met Robert Gilbertz at the Portland Chancellor Club where they met many lifelong friends. They married in 1957. They enjoyed golf, skiing, travel, pinochle, lunch with friends, St. Agatha Adoration Chapel, and hugs from family and friends. Joan is survived by their five children, Nancy (Paige), Mollie, Thomas, Edward, and Amy (Jeff); seven grandchildren, David (Julia) and Josh Starr, John and Robert Delegato, Reed, Meg, and Chas Metzler Gilbertz; and two great[1]grandchildren, Hanna and Toran Starr.

A Rosary followed by a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1430 S.E. Nehalem St., Portland, OR. A reception following the funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Church Fellowship Hall, 3910 SE 11th Avenue, Portland. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Agatha School , Church or to Sacred Heart Church.