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Joanna Rowan Tobias was born on June 2, 1943, in Einsingen, Germany, a village in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg. As a young girl, she immigrated to the United States with her family, crossing the Atlantic on the historic ocean liner, the Queen Mary.
Joanna grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she completed her education. Her love for adventure led her into the skies as an airline hostess for American Airlines and later, TWA. Joanna later moved to Los Angeles, California, where she launched a successful career as a model for television commercials and print advertisements. Joanna was also blessed to experience two great love stories in her lifetime.
In 1974, she married the legendary comedian Dan Rowan, co-star of the television show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. They shared thirteen years of laughter, travel, and devotion until his passing in 1987. In 1989, Joanna found happiness, deep companionship, and a second great love when she married Charles Tobias. Together they shared 36 beautiful years of joy, deep partnership, and support until his passing in 2025.
She is survived by her sister, Ursula (husband, Robert) Young-Wollenberg; brother, Ronald (wife, Kim) Young; nephews, Michael Wollenberg, Ronald Scott Young, and Andrew Young; and niece, Corina Young.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Dan Rowan, and her second husband, Charles Tobias.
A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanna’s honor to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
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