Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
[John 14:27]
After a courageous five-year battle with cancer, Joanie returned home to live with her Heavenly Father and Mother and her many ministering angels.
The past five years continued to showcase Joanie’s gifts of spreading love and her unique positive energy everywhere she went.
She read her three grandchildren hundreds of stories and hosted many a grandchild sleepover and family Sunday dinner. She traveled to the beautiful places on this earth with her family and friends. She welcomed her third grandchild, “baby Joe-Joe.”
She jumped into the frigid, healing waters of Jackson Lake and marveled at the beauty of the Alps.
She wrote beautiful words about everyday occurrences here on her blog and shared with us, not only how she was feeling and her experiences, but many thanks to those who were lightening her load.
Until the end, Joanie always had a grateful heart.
She wrote poetry. During these five years, Joanie ran, walked, and biked hundreds of miles, in the depth of winter, on warm summer mornings, on streets and trails, up mountains and by the sea—more oft than not, accompanied by her many friends.
She ran marathons and half-marathons.
She biked, hiked, ran, sledded, carried baby Joe and Kate, beat us all in croquet, skied, played tennis and the piano. Her grandchildren ran through the front door and searched the house yelling “Grandma Jooooaaaniiiee!”
She accomplished more than many of us do in a week, in a single day, and still had time for her many friends and loving family.
She researched and worked on family history.
She taught Maggie and Kate how to play tennis and about the world.
She was the mother of the groom twice, hardly looking the part either time, with her beautiful face and youthful smile.
She was the coveted dinner seatmate of baby Joe, Kate, and Maggie.
She played board games, and one of her favorites—charades—with her family.
She crafted quilts and scrapbooks.
She laughed at her sons’ jokes. Joanie was brave, every singe day of the past five years, she was brave.
She was proud of her children, their spouses, and her beloved grandchildren.
She adored her husband, Joe.
She also gave him a to-do list or two. Forever the optimist, she continued to see the best in us all.
She attended her first grandchild, Maggie’s, baptism and spoke beautiful words to her to mark the special day.
She taught hundreds of students, imparting the theme of her life: service.
She giggled, shopped, and attended the temple with “The Sues.”
She prayed and rejoiced in the Gospel.
She enjoyed a good dark chocolate bar.
She excitedly hosted three German exchange students, whom she relished having in her home.
She taught tennis to children in a Title I school, becoming their greatest champion.
She welcomed home her last son to serve a mission, with a glowing smile and her famous chicken rolls.
She renovated her kitchen, so her family would have a place to gather.
She always thought of others. Joanie did not lose her battle to cancer.
This blog is a reflection of that.
She lived; she lived life full, like she had always done, with positivity, kindness, a sense of humor, and an aim at improving herself.
Joanie left an imprint on this world that her family, countless friends, students, coworkers, ward members, and acquaintances will never forget. And although she was on this earth for far too short a time, she lived fuller than many could in two lifetimes. Though our grief be all enveloping now, we will strive to honor Joanie’s legacy by serving our fellow man, setting a goal for ourselves, greeting the day with a smile on our face, marveling at the beauty of the world around us, and loving one another.
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