Joann Ariff

Joann Ariff age 96 of Lafayette, California passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. Joann was an only child of Raymond and Alyse Dietz of Newark, New Jersey. Joann received a degree in Hispanic Studies from UC Berkeley where she met her loving husband, Azam. Joann’s lifelong passion for learning included graduate studies in economics, dance, theatre, oil painting and earning a teaching credential. When her children were teenagers, Joann became a substitute Spanish teacher and later transitioned to full-time teaching at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville. Because of her expansive education, she was called upon to teach not only Spanish, but also Art and History. Joann loved sharing her gift for language and arts and teaching gave her the opportunity to share it with others.

Joann is survived by her three loving children, Raad Ariff of Pleasant Hill; Jenan Ariff Frederick of Denver, CO; and Sher Ariff of Lafayette, two grandchildren, Vincent Ariff and Eddie Ariff; nieces Yasmeen Ariff and Nasreen Ariff.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at Hull’s Walnut Creek Chapel on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11am.