Joan Wallace Thew

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North High School University of Arizona

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Phoenix, Arizona

Joan Thew Obituary

Thew, Joan Wallace
83, of Phoenix, went to heaven on March 19. She was born in Las Lunas, New Mexico, and moved to Arizona in 1933. She spent her childhood years traveling with her parents, Frank and Georgia, and her sisters, Ruth and Verna, across the southwest when her father was the original contractor who built roads and highways through the state. The youngest of three daughters, her mother affectionately referred to her as her little Shirley Temple. She lived in Chino Valley, Concho, Kingman, Prescott and Tucson, among many other places. In 1942, the family settled in the Palmcroft area of Phoenix. Joan met her husband of 31 years, Wes, while attending North High School. They married in 1947 and were blessed with five children. Joan graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she was an active member of the Alpha Phi sorority and received her bachelors' degree in Agriculture/Home Economics. In 1957, Joan began her career at the Arizona House of Representatives starting as a page and working her way up to minority leader secretary, then public information supervisor. Many people remember Joan as the smiling face with the warm personality who greeted them with a wealth of information when they first entered the capitol doors. Upon retirement in 2005, she was honored with a proclamation on the floor of the House of Representatives for her 50 years of dedicated service. Joan loved to dance, travel and host lively family dinners. Her children were her biggest passion and she was loved by all. Joan is survived by her sister, Ruth Pohle; her children, Wes, Mike, Susan and Jim Thew with his wife, Sharon; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Marcus, Lisa, Logan and Aleah, all proudly carrying the Thew name; and the two beloved dogs she shared with her daughter, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly. Mothers are angels waiting for their wings and that was certainly true of our mother Joan Thew. The viewing will be held on Friday, March 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, followed by services on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 pm, both at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary at 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. in Phoenix.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Thew

8 Entries

My Mom was my Best Friend

Susan Thew

October 24, 2011

My mom was so much more than a mother to me. She was my best friend. We shared every secret, supported each other emotionally and did most everything together. When it came to our friends, we were a package deal. I think our special relationship was formed before I was ever even born, after she lost her only other baby girl at just 13 months old. I know she is with her now and Carol has picked up where I left off.

When I was little, she would sew us matching dresses, give me Shirley Temple curls and teach me everything she knew about cooking, shopping and dating. Because I never had a family of my own, mom became the foundation in my life that kept me going through good times and bad. Most evenings, we'd sit by the fireplace and talk for hours about everything that had happened through the day. So many times we'd catch ourselves saying the same words at exactly the same time. We used to joke that we were split-a-parts "same person, different body." We even had matching dogs, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly.

Although she never liked to be the center of attention, people were always naturally drawn to her. She had such a charming, cheerful and warm personality. Without even realizing it, she impacted so many people. On her bookshelves are photos of her with Anthony Shriver, former Governor Rose Mofford and even an autographed picture from President Bush. She occasionally wondered if she influenced Governor Brewer when she encouraged her to run for office the first time during one of her many visits to the Arizona House of Representatives.

Last Tuesday, our family received a personal letter of condolence from Governor Brewer, expressing her appreciation for mom's dedicated service to the state of Arizona. Mom worked for the House of Representatives for 50 years, beginning in 1957 when she was pregnant with me. She conveniently left out that tidbit of information, as they didn't hire pregnant pages back in those days. When I was 17, we worked together after she secured a job for me as a page at the State Senate. Since that time, her friends at the legislature have embraced me. I feel so lucky to have been adopted by her legislative friends, who have included me in their monthly gatherings to celebrate birthdays and special occasions with mom.

I have so many wonderful memories with her. When I miss mom, all I have to do is look around my home, because she is ever present. Everywhere, there is a picture of us or a special treasure that we picked up along the way while on an exciting adventure somewhere together. She used to think that spending your money on travel was silly, saying "wouldn't you rather have a couch or something?"� In 1999, I surprised her with a plane ticket to London. We traveled across England and took the Eurostar to France. Halfway through the trip, she said "now I understand"� as she felt the impact of how seeing the world is a life-changing experience.

We traveled to Europe two more times within a year, when we couriered bone marrow for transplant patients to Germany and Italy. We went to Alaska, the Carribean and have gone on so many weekends trips, I can't even count. Two days before she passed away, she accompanied me on a business day trip to Prescott and we had wonderful lunch at the St. Michael's Hotel. On her last day, we were together again at the farmers' market enjoying the morning together with our dogs.

Just a few days ago, my brother Jim found a plaque at my mom's house that said "Mothers are angels in training,"� and that was certainly true of her. Family was everything to my mother. She lived to spend time with her kids and their families. She was always there for us. She would be so pleased to see all the family and friends who are here today, especially those who have come from so far away. Although this is such a sad time, she would be so proud to see how everyone has pulled together to give each other strength, comfort and compassion. We have always had a close family, but the bonds we have developed this week through supporting one another have meant the world to me and we be forever lasting, especially with my brothers.

My mom loved flowers, especially roses, and she is surrounded by them today. My nephew, Marcus, has been there to help since January when my mom was working through some health issues. We love him so much for his caring kindness. He recently planted flowers in all her gardens and filled her hummingbird feeders, just like she liked it. The hummingbirds have been visiting frequently since she went to heaven one week ago. The next time you see a beautiful rose or a hummingbird flies by, think of my mom. Perhaps that is her stopping by to greet you and to give you her love.

Steve Schwartz

March 26, 2011

Jim,
Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Words can't touch the depth of the loss of a mom. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Steve and Krista Schwartz

Rob & Laura Lelakowski

March 26, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a nice lady and will do good things for those awaiting her in heaven. Love & Prayers, Rob, Laura & Robbie Lelakowski

Tami Painter Smith

March 25, 2011

Jim, and the entire Thew family, I am very sorry for your loss but heaven has gained an angle. I am sorry I never knew your mother but I did go to high school and I think Rose Lane, with you and remember you as a good guy. God bless to your entire family. You will be in my prayers.

Tami Painter

Kenny and Kay Gignac

March 24, 2011

Jim and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Anne Butterfly

March 23, 2011

Joan was a very special person. She was kind, generous, compassionate, caring, witty, humorous and full of life and laughter. What a treasure she was. To know her was to love her. Although she has now changed addresses, her spirit will live on in our hearts through fond memories. I count myself privileged to have known such a wonderful lady. My heart goes out to all of her family with love and prayers.

May our Lord bless and comfort each of you.

Lynne La Monica

March 23, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. Joan was a classy, beautiful woman who had a heart of gold. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Merilou Effinger

March 23, 2011

To all of Joan's family, my deepest sympathy. I worked for several years in the State House and found Joan to be a wonderful person and always fun to be with. She spoke often and lovingly of her family. Know that I share your sorrow and pray the comfort of God on each one of you.
Merilou Effinger

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