Well I'm not sure where to start. I have so many wonderful memories of my Grandma. She was absolutely the best. I owe much of who I am to her and will be forever grateful I had her in my life.
She was a huge part in the lives of many people and I invite everyone whose life she touched to share their memories in the comments section below.
I love you Grandma,
Geoff
I'd like to thank every friend and family member for their love, support and words of encouragement through a very surprising and difficult time. Hearing and reading your thoughts and feelings about my mom has been overwhelming. It has been humbling to see the extent to which she influenced so many lives in a meaningful and positive way. I miss her greatly, as do all of you, but I feel her love as strongly as I ever have and am grateful that I was raised by such loving mother.
ReplyDeleteScotty
I never met Joann, but enjoyed corresponding with her on the internet. I live in the house in England that her grandfather George Oakley Fisher rebuilt, and she kindly sent me copies of infomation that he had compiled on his family history. I shall miss her, and offer my condolences to all her family.
ReplyDeleteIn Loving Memory of our dear friend, Joann -
ReplyDeleteOur family would like to express our deep love and admiration for one of the sweetest, most elegant woman that we know.
Kyle grew up loving and admiring Joann. As a teenage he even spent hours sketching and drawing a portrait of her which he lovingly gave to her. Her son, Chris, was and is a good and dear friend to him and was always there to support him.
As a young married couple we looked to Kyle's parents and others, especially Wayne and Joann as examples of what loving, kind couples should act like to each other. Here were two strong, independent people who loved, admired and respected each other and their interests. We saw an eternal couple who loved each other and adored their sons with unwavering love. Their sons meant the world to them and Joann was always updating us on their progress and accomplishments.
I loved to travel to SLC with Joann as she and I loved genealogy. We would come home at night and exchange our finds and organize our plans on finding more ancestors the next day. She showed me a great love for not only her immediate family but an equally compassionate love for her ancestors.
Joann was a true beauty inside and out. She was beautiful to look at and I always admired her for every thing was always in its place and complemented each other on her wardrobe.
She always opened her home to the Ward and she loved to show her ancestors objects and pictures she had acquired. Her home was always neat and welcoming to all.
Joann was the model of a loving, kind and concerned mother and grandmother. I remember when my children where small she told me to enjoy each day and although it seemed like it would be a long time until they were grown, it would go by too fast. She said "don't sweat the small things, enjoy each moment - the good and the hard times. They will be gone and you will wish for them all to come back. Housework can wait!!" I will always treasure those words.
When Wayne and Joann moved away from Manhattan Beach Ward there was a void that couldn't be filled. Wayne's hugs were the best in the world and made me feel secure and safe. Their love of the Gospel and testimony was not only heard when they bore it but in their actions and love towards others. Everyone felt their love and kindness.
Our family will miss our dear friend, Joann but we are happy in the knowledge that we will be able to be with each other again and enjoy the bonds of friendship eternally. We know that she is busy embracing all her loved ones and family she worked so endlessly to link together for all eternity. She is enjoying the blessings that she so richly deserves for her dedication to her eternal family.
We send our most sincere sympathies and love to sweet Wayne and their sons, Mike, Glenn, Chris and Scott and their families. Her influence is evident in their characteristics and attributes. May they and her grandchildren know how blessed they were to have her influence and love in their lives. Our family was truly blessed by her in ours!!
Love,
The Kyle and Lori Stark Family
There are soooooo many wonderful memories I have of this wonderful woman, friend, 2nd mom, and amazing example - named Joann.
ReplyDeleteBeing the wife of the best bishop on the planet while in the single's ward in Manhattan Beach, she blessed countless people - including me - every day. She expressed such a depth of love for her incredible husband - Wayne - a.k.a "bish!" The best time of my life was because of these two people who I dearly love, still to this day.
She is the definition of classy, patient, kind, FUN, adventurous, sincere, spiritual, service, beauty inside and out and so much more!
Volleyball, activities, Lake Mead, Geneology, will forever be etched within my heart and soul.
The most touching memory of her that I will never forget, was one Mother's Day where she and I wore matching dresses. I lived out of state from my mom and missed her. Joann said she would be my mom for Mother's Day. What a most loving and nurturing woman she truly was!
She was also "cupid" in our ward as she introduced many (now married) couples ... and relished with that trademark smile of hers, in the connections she made!
Her joy and zest for life will remain within her footsteps as those who follow them will be blessed in remembering WHO this extraordinary woman was.
My life will forever be blessed and a lot of who I am today, is because of this remarkable woman. The heavens are rejoycing with her entrance as thousands of souls embrace from the hours of genelogical service she lovingly selflessly gave.
She will always be within my heart, until we meet again.
Love ♥
Lisa May & family
I remember the first time I saw Joann Waddell. It was at church and she was wearing a very stylish hat. I said to myself, "I have to meet this women, she has so much panache."
ReplyDeleteAlthough Joann was 20 years older, I never felt an age difference. She was a beautiful, fun loving, educated, gracious lady and she made me a better person for knowing her. I loved that she understood my need to "goof off" sometimes and was usually ready to go. Her joy of life shined through as she was always looking for new adventures. She surely was not going to sit in a chair and watch the world go by.
She leaves a large void in my life, I will miss my friend Joann.
Love, Sandi Entzminger
I too have so many wonderful memories of Joann. She taught me many things. It would be hard to list them all. Anytime I was with her, she always made me feel good. She was always educating me on life, and the important things I need to know, as I got older. She always made you feel important. She was truly my second mom. Whenever, she was around you always had fun.
ReplyDeleteI remember her and the Bishop cooking pancakes for us after A New Year’s Eve dance. Playing hearts for hours!!! Learning to do Genealogy and being a detective to find those ancestors that were not easy to find. She never let you give up on them. She always, expressed how important it was to find them and do their work. This is why we have Temples. In addition, how could we forget those fun water ski trips she did for us each year? Great Memories!!!
Both she and the Bishop always welcome us in their house. Whether it was Home Family Evening, Break the Fast, or watching a BALL Game, there house was always open to us. She loved having us around her. I think it made her feel young, and she was young to us. She truly was a woman of Service to others, and a GREAT Example!!!
I am so glad she was a big part of my life. My life has been changed by knowing and loving her!!! I will truly miss her!!! Love you Joann, and can’t wait to see you again!!!!
Love April Smythe
In the thirty-something years we’ve known Joann and Wayne, we’ve shared some wonderful occasions. Who can forget the great times in Park City, sometimes gliding “not so gracefully” down the slopes of ParkWest! Joann was always an eternal optimist and we just couldn’t get enough of her wit, smile, and sense of humor. She and Wayne both have a way of connecting with others and drawing them right in. We first bonded with Joann as she taught our Sunday School class in Manhattan Beach!
ReplyDeleteJoann was always up for an adventure! One day she decided we should go to Mexico and learn Spanish… Wayne said he’d only let her go if she went with me! Well I procrastinated, and we never made it. Life ends suddenly and I wasn’t ready to say “good-bye” to my dear friend. I will miss our chats in the hallway at church, catching up on events in the lives of our kids and grandkids. We found joy in the accomplishments of our posterity, they are living monuments of our lives. She was proud of her family…and so was I.
Her loving example lingers in the hearts of those she touched. Such a “classy” lady! Our prayers and love are with you Wayne….and your beautiful family.
‘Till we meet again Joann….we love you,
Linda and Doug Harmon
Thank you Wayne for sharing her with me, we did have some fun times going to the quilt shops together, she must of thought I was crazy going to quilt shop all over San Diego, but thats okay she loved it too, thats one thing I loved about her,always ready at a quick notice, Did learn alot from her, always liked be around her so I could be like her, Scott will miss her too, he will miss calling her beautiful.You know, funny thing is,that just 3 weeks or so we were just talking about this dying stuff and she did mention that she was worried that she might not have her hair and makeup done right,and I said don't about it will turn out just fine, hearing about her passing was way to weird for me knowing that we just had this conversation not to long ago. WE will both miss a good friend and example, you both mean alot to Scott and I. We Love you Wayne, anytime you feel like a Bar-B- Que sandwich give me a call.Or you need Scott to come over and help you with the honey do list that Joann left you, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call us.I do miss my friend Joann Waddell,Wouldn't it be great if someone did a movie about Joann Waddell and her great adventures, I just loved hearing about both yours and Joanns journeys, and all the fun times Joann had with your sons going water skiing and camping days
ReplyDeleteLove Scott and Yvette Packard
Joann's greatest legacy is her family. She and Wayne raised four wonderful sons. I was fortunate to marry Glenn (the eldest) thirty-three years ago. From the moment I joined the family, Mom showered me with love, kindness, and acceptance. She was delighted to finally have someone in the family that would go with her to the fabric store, chick flicks, and to have a partner for double solitaire. We had many common interests- gardening, reading, sewing, interior design, and cooking and there was so much that I learned from her. She was a natural teacher and loved to share her vast stores of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteJoann had a passion for life, learning, and adventure. She had a tender,
generous heart. As we were raising our family, she was an amazing
influence. She was always there with love, advice, support, assistance,
and encouragement. She didn't just love her husband, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren...she adored them!! Joann was
an amazing example of Christ-like love. She loved all of her sons and
grandchildren completely and unconditionally.
One of the things that has had the greatest impact on me is the relationship between Wayne and Joann. They shared fifty-nine years
of adventure, fun, passion, respect, and love. It was a beautiful thing
to watch and a tremendous example of what a marriage should be
and truly something to emulate.
Our world seems a little dimmer to me now that we can no longer bask
in the glow of her love, adoration, and approval. Joann lives on in my
children. They have so many of her wonderful character traits and
attributes. Geoff has her voracious appetite for new information and is
interested in everything. He has her confidence, her spirit of adventure,
and a bit of her wanderlust. Lesley is gorgeous, graceful, and poised -
just like her Grandma! She is sensitive, intuitive, and a wonderful wife,
mother, and daughter. Doug has her love of nature and is kind and good. He is very tender hearted, has an amazing sense of humor, as
well as her strength and determination.
We have been blessed to have Joann in our lives. Our hearts have been
warmed by her testimony of the Savior and the example of her life as a
disciple of Christ. I am grateful for the temple covenants that bind us
together eternally as a family.
Your loving daughter,
Tina
Joann: Your sprightly smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed in the family history library.
ReplyDeleteDear Scott and all of Joann's family,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Arlene Bezanson Doney. I went to Fremont High School with Joann. I graduated in 1946 and she in 1947. We were in Drama together for several semesters and had a great time together there with other friends. Joann was movie star pretty with her dark coloring and lovely smile. We all looked pretty good in those young days, but Joann was a cut above. She was also a great friend. There was an old saying that pretty is as pretty does and she was a winner. We spent time together at school and also at after school activities connected with drama. We were supposed to be rehearsing, but seemed to have a good time doing this. I last saw Joann in 1986. She was still beautiful. We have talked on the phone several times in later years and made plans to meet, but something always happened that we never were able to get together.
My condolences to your Dad and your family. I shall be thinking of you and Joann and shall be cherishing the memory of her friendship.
With love,
Arlene
I will always love Joann. She was such a wonderful friend. She was so intelligent, loving and patient. She was the best at playing trivial pursuit and we had so much fun playing hearts with her and Bishop. She and Bishop opened their home to all of us singles and we loved them for it. Together they touched so many of our lives.
ReplyDeleteI will always look back in fondness at the water ski and snow ski trips we took together. It was hard to keep up with her. I also loved the time we spent going to the Nutcracker every year for several years. But the thing I loved most about Joann was her passion for family history. What a great reunion that must have been. She truly was an inspiration to me.
Love always,
Heidi Dettmar Tackett
When I first joined the church Joann and Wayne were the hallmark examples to me of how to be LDS. I knew that one of the principles of the gospel was that the glory of God was intelligence,,but it was especially when I met Joann that I appreciated the impact of that principle. She was highly intelligent, conscientiously educated, thoughtful fun, interesting, and glorious to be around. And active! We talk about being active in the church- Joann was active in and out of church and I remember just how much fun we had! Joann and Wayne were just finishing their family with her "he-can-do-no-wrong" Scotty, while we were just starting our family-- what else should we do but haul all of them off to the beach-- the kids played in the sand and so did Joann and I. We played volleyball a sport she had not played before, but trooper that she was-- she excelled at the game very quickly-- and we had a blast! It was there that Joann decided we needed to merge our gene pools-- all the kids were so cute! (It hasn't happened yet, but we have many future generations to go). My next happy memories come in the form of Lake Mead and skiing-- and again, her willingness to try a new and difficult sport at age 45(or was it 50). Either way, I remember how remarkable and inspirational that was to me. With busy lives and several moves, we didn't see each other as often as we'd like but we always had a telepathic connection and one us us would call the other Just when we'd each been thinking of the other-- that happened virtually every time we connected through the years. Then, thoughtful as ever, Joann would call me on my birthday every year-- how did she do that? I still have last years' call on my machine and I just loved hearing her voice just now. She was extolling the fact that no matter how old i got, she'd always be older. I never remember that she was older, but I often thought that she was much wiser than I. I remember one time Scotty had a young friend over who was aghast when he spilled his milk, and Scotty eased his mind saying not to worry, his mother didn't really become concerned over stuff like that. Whatta Mom!We thank our Heavenly Father for people like Joann-- so strong, courageous and completely devoted to Our Savior and to her family/ Wayne and the kids and grandkids meant everything to her-- how pleased and proud she was of every new addition --all of our conversations centered upon family. Also geneaology. Joann tried so hard to persuade me of the glories of geneaology; mine, from war-torn Yugoslavia, I thought. impossible to find. Joann was convinced that if you do your part, and happen to leave a window open, the missing information would fly right in. Joann is a wonder-- a wonderful wife, mother and friend, a wonderful example of Christ-like living. I mourn her passing and will miss her but I see no reason she might not continue to find a spare moment to connect and inspire her family and friends. She is just that kind of exuberant spirit. Dave and I send our love and prayers to Wayne, to Glenn, Michael,Christopher and Scott. How grateful we are to have known Joann and all of you. How grateful for our testimony of the gospel and for the reality of the resurrection. We hope that even in this time of sadness you will feel the peace and joy and satisfaction of the exemplary life Joann lived. Much love, Dave and Ilse Brown and family
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was assigned as Joanne's visiting teacher, it always felt the other way around. It was like a wonderful indulgence to spend time visiting with her. She always had fabulous stories, asked about my family, and had wonderful advice to share. I was always grateful that this classy, gracious woman would take the time to be a good friend and welcome me into her home. I miss our visits. Her stories still make me laugh. She lived life to the fullest and was an example to all around her. Someday, I hope to be like Joanne when I grow up!
ReplyDeleteSue Woolley
Dear Wayne and family:
ReplyDeleteTime has such a way of slipping by all too quickly when God said "life is a vapour" one really begins to understand just what He meant. Our lives go back so many years to you and coach and your high school years and meeting Joann and "Baby Glenn" and Baby Bobby" both being born so close together and the many many diaper changes on our bed in the dear old duplex on Tamarack and then at your home. The long walks to downtown Inglewood (in the good old days) and the long talks while coach was playing football at UCLA and eating at the training table and you Wayne out puttting out fires etc. Then our paths veered off coach was coaching and speaking, then off to the north country we came and you all stayed south and added to your family. A chain in your family link has been broken but one day it will all be together again. I used to kid her about being the volley ball queen of Manhattan Beach. The last time I spoke with her as always she was sharing about the love of her life you and of course the boys and their families. Glenn been married 32 years wow how time goes all too quickly for sure. Here is Bobby a chiropractor in Irvine for several years. Jeri back with us as the Lord took her husband home some four years ago and what a joy she is to us God is good. "I thought of you with love today and that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories, life will never be the same Your memory is my keepsake whith which I'll never part God has you in His keeping and I have you in my heart. To each of you our love and prayers. coach and Louise
Wayne and family.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are filled with sorrow. I will write you to you and express our feelings.
Ron & Linda Fox
Ruth Wallin: Joann & I played doubles volleyball at Marine. We had a wonderful time. She also asked me to go with her to the LDS in Utah to do research on my family but I never did--I only wished I had. She was also very helpful and encouraging. I was sorry when she left MB as I never got to see her anymore. She will always remain in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 7 my oldest sister Carol married Wayne and Joann's son Chris. So I have known Joann almost my whole life. I loved her zest for life and learning. She always lit up the room when she entered and was always genuinely interested in me and what I was doing. She always looked beautiful and spent the time to cultivate both her outer beauty but most importantly her inner beauty. She was fun and I enjoyed the time spent talking to her about a vast array of subjects. I loved playing scrabble with her.What a delightful person she was and is. And her laugh, who can forget her cute laugh. :)
ReplyDeleteAmy Adams and family
I would like to share a few thoughts of the beautiful lady who touched my life is so many ways. I don't think Joann had any idea the influence she had on me and I don't even think I did until her passing. Because of Joann, I have become involved in my family history. I have shared that love with my grandparents, parents, ward member and so many more for the past 20 years. I feel like I am becoming a pro just like Joann. She got me started with it all. I am going on a trip to Germany next week to meet more relatives. I have done so much temple work and I feel like Joann will also be loved by those family members of mine for helping me do those ordinances that are necessary for them to progress and live with our Father in Heaven and be together with their families.
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to Bolero with Joann. The beautiful roses she grew in her yard in Manhattan Beach, especially the Double Delights! Great memories playing hearts and hanging out with the Bishop and Joann. Nutcracker, waterski trips, her pink lipstick, her quilting, stories about her children who she loved, looking at her modeling pictures and knowing she would rather be the best mother than a model, going to Hawaii and Park City with her. She was an elegant and classy lady. Both her and Bishop have a way of making you feel like you are the most important person in the world. They are both special so my heart is hurting for Bishop for being without the love of his life until they meet again. I will always have her in my heart. She is not far...
Love,
Jennifer (Phillips) Hamilton
Our thoughts and prayers have been with Bishop Waddell and his family. David and I attended the singles ward in Manhatttan Beach. We have fun and loving memories of he and our dear Joann. She is probably one of the most elegant women I have ever known. As everyone else has mentioned she was beautiful on the inside but more importantly her spirit was so beautiful. As members of the singles ward, Joann always had kind words and thoughtful advice to share. I can still remember her playing volleyball and I was always impressed that a mature lady was out there dig'in it. Once looking through a magazine I found her in an advertisement and she looked wonderful. I had fun showing it to everyone and telling them I knew her. She and my husband loved those great water ski trips. Joann and the Bishop always made everyone feel loved and important. I can still remember chatting with them in their home the night Dave and I became engaged. Their dog offered us an engagement present that evening by bringing in a live oppossum, which was playing dead, and laid it on the floor for us. We had a good laugh over that one. We send our heartfelt love and sympathy to Bishop Waddell and his family. It's such a blessing to know they will be a forever family. Joann and the Bishop are truly a blessing in our lives and we will cherish them forever.
ReplyDelete~ Tracy & David Grant
I miss Joann! I have thought of her every single day since she died. But I do not think of her in a sad way. She would not want that. In my mind I have seen and my spirit has felt her happy, peaceful aura. I see her smiling countenance and her eyes sparkling with true joy. I feel privileged to have known such an elect lady. She has, does and will continue to teach women everywhere how to live. She moved with grace. She lived each day with inspiration. she seized each day with it's endless possibilities. She made the most of each day and loved her work. She "walked in beauty like the night" and created beauty with her hands, with her words, in her home and for her loved ones. She completely and utterly adored her dear husband, precious sons, daughters-in-law and darling grandchildren. She made each person in our book group feel like they were the most important person in the room and she made that seemingly daunting task look effortless for the entire ten years we met in her beautiful home. She had that gift. There is not another like her. She was unique and had the rare ability to embrace the diversity in others. The way she treated people defined the word gracious. She did not judge, she simply loved. She was truly interested in the details of others' lives. She was Light. Joann will forever hold a place in my heart as an amazing, loving, saintly woman. I feel privileged to be her friend and look forward to seeing her again in eternity. May you, Wayne, and your entire family be lifted up in joy and your hearts comforted in knowing that you are sealed together.
ReplyDeleteThe hollow place within my heart
ReplyDeleteMade me question , why is this so?
I search my thoughts to reclaim what’s lost
And past memories begin to flow.
That hollow place, at first condemned
that gave me pain now starts to grow
It fills my mind and fills my heart
And fills that void and overflows
Now I see this hollow place,
is not a hole, is not a void.
It is a vessel; deep within
that holds our lives forever joined.
Now a voice inside reveals
what separates us is very thin.
This I know within my heart,
I’ll hear “Hello Darling” once again.
Larry Westover
Words can't express how much I miss my Grandma. She played a huge role in my life and I miss her dearly. I love you Grandma and I know your watching over me with a smile.
ReplyDelete