Joanna gave me a doll. It was no ordinary doll. It was a doll she had made with her own hands.That is how it was with Joanna. The gifts she gave were always the product of the many gifts she had, symbolic of how she gave of herself.
I've looked at the doll so may times and marveled at the detail. The dress. The petticoat. The bloomers, stockings and bonnet. Al the product of her own talent. The coloring of the skin, so subtle, so life like. It took a steady hand to paint those eyelashes. The doll in its entirety is and eruption of light, of pink and white. One cannot look at it without thinking of Springtime. It is how I imagine Joanna saw the world. I know that is pretty much how we saw Joanna.
Her favorite movie was "Gone With the Wind". Her favorite character was Scarlett O'Hara. That seemed appropriate to me since I always sensed and indomitable spirit in Joanna. Her "Tara" was her family and, to her, no sacrifice was too great for them. Should Gaithersburg be ravished by war, Joanna's family would certainly never go hungry.
Like Scarlett, Joanna has not been vanquished. She has merely put on incorruption and immortality (1 Cor.15:54) She was a wonderful Mother to Chris and Charlie and a wonderful Wife to Gordon. We note her passing. The gift of her life among us will never be forgotten.

Message from Deborah Johnson Watson

May 22, 2017 1:11 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Joanna's passing. My heart and prayers are with
the family.

Message from Carolyn Streater

May 21, 2017 2:08 PM

Judi. I have thought of you many times the last few days. Sisters are dear to our hearts. My prayers are with you as you face each day with special memories of Joanna. Love and blessings to you all.

A candle was lit by Sherry Roberts on May 21, 2017 11:47 AM

Message from Bernie and Denise Fitzgerald

May 21, 2017 11:02 AM

We are greatly saddened for your family for the loss of your wife and mother. It was great having her as a neighbor. We will keep you in our prayers.

A candle was lit by Romaine and Richard Worster on May 20, 2017 9:20 PM

A candle was lit by Vernie and Rico on May 20, 2017 3:08 PM

A candle was lit by Joanna was such an amazing lady, I'm blessed to know her on May 19, 2017 11:41 AM

Message from Greg & Tamika Tremaglio

May 19, 2017 9:13 AM

What a tremendous loss! Her fight has ended but her legacy will last forever....the kindest, sweetest person you could have ever met. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet her through her husband. The Thompson family will remain in our prayers

Message from Sean Sweeney and family

May 19, 2017 8:01 AM

We are so sorry for your loss. Joanna was such a sweet caring person. I'll always remember her calling me "greaser". Rest In Peace Joanna. - Sean, Mari-Ann, Charlie, and Abby