Joan Laird (Rojas) Jamieson, 83, passed away Aug. 25, 2026, at her home in Solvang. She was born Sept. 16, 1942 to Rodney and Ellen (Pryor) Rojas in Santa Maria.

Joannie was a seventh-generation Californian who grew up in the Santa Maria Valley. She attended Alvin Elementary School, where her father was principal; El Camino Junior High School; and Santa Maria High School.

In 1956 Joannie was a homecoming princess as a freshman. She was a CSF life member, and at the end of her junior year was chosen to attend Girls State in the summer of 1959.

She was a four-year member of the Junior Statesmen of America and was selected as “Mayor for a Day” for the city of Santa Maria during her senior year.

Joannie became civic-minded at a young age due to the influence of her father. She graduated with honors in 1960.

She went on to study at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she met her first husband Peter Laird. They married in 1962.

Joannie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education in 1965. She went on to teach elementary school in San Francisco and Marin County from 1965-68.

She then pursued her master’s degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, but the Army had other plans and sent Peter to Vietnam as a JAG officer via San Francisco’s Presidio.

Joannie and Peter’s daughter Sara was born in Marin, California, in 1971. A few years later the family moved to Sonoma County, where Joannie was active in Sara’s early years, helping at her school, and with youth leadership organizations such as Camp Fire Girls.

Joannie and Sara moved to Solvang in 1979. Sara called it “Christmastown.” It was there that she met her second husband David Jamieson. They were married in 1981 and had a son James in 1983.

David had a successful custom home-building company, and Joan started a land-use consulting company that she ran for more than 35 years.

For five decades, Joannie was an integral part of the Solvang community. She served on the Allan Hancock College Foundation Board, twice as its president; the Theatrefest Board; and Solvang Arts and Music Foundation at Solvang Elementary School.

She was a football booster at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and produced the newspaper at Solvang Elementary School when her children attended.

She served 17 years on the Solvang School Board of Trustees and eight years on the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Board.

Joannie went on to serve on the Solvang City Council for 10 years. As a member of the City Council, she served on numerous city committees, including her favorite, the library committee.

She also served on the city’s wastewater treatment ad hoc committee, Board of Architectural Review, and as a liaison to the Chumash.

She had a passion for Solvang. Most importantly, she had an even greater passion for her family, being a “mom” to numerous children and especially cherishing her role as “Tutu” to her precious granddaughter Natalie.

She was predeceased by her parents Ellen and Rodney Rojas; sister Natalie Rojas; and in-laws Betty and Roger Jamieson.

She is survived by her husband David Jamieson; daughter Sara Laird O’Shaughnessy (Jim); son James Jamieson; granddaughter Natalie O’Shaughnessy; sister Sherry Rojas (Ryan Lewis); sister-in-law Lynn Jamieson (Steve Wolter); brothers-in-law Jay Jamieson (Kelly), Doug Jamieson (Connie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Felicia Cody, “a true angel who cared for Joannie and supported the family in her final weeks,” they said.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Allan Hancock College Foundation. Donations may be made online at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation/give.php or mailed to 800 S. College Drive, B106, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

Please note “Joan Jamieson” on the check memo line or online form.

A Celebration of Life for Joannie will be held at a later date.