Joanne S. Waters

1932 - 2010

Joanne Sophia Waters of Lodi passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at the age of 78. She was born Johanna Sophia Van Ruiten in Long Beach, CA on May 14, 1932. One of five siblings, she was raised in Bellflower, CA by her mother and father, Antionett (Bontje) and Bert Van Ruiten. Joanne attended Catholic schools in Southern California. She married Ray Waters on September 22, 1956. She worked as an administrative assistant at Aerojet until the adoption of her two children. She and her family moved to Lodi in 1964 where she continued to be a homemaker. Joanne's greatest love was her family and friends. She was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her parents. She enjoyed gardening, reading, music, plays, shopping, knitting and most of all spending time with her family, children and grandchildren. She was a long time member of St. Anne's Catholic Church.
Joanne is survived by her son, Daniel and daughter-in-law, Lisa Waters of Gilbert, AZ; daughter, Danis and son-in-law, Steve Azevedo of Acampo, CA; sister, Mary Emmott of Vista, CA; and sister, Corie Wardle of Bullhead City, AZ. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, Austen, Audrianna, Asante and Addisen Azevedo, many nieces and nephews and her extended family and friends.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday, December 15 at 7pm at Lodi Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, December 16 at 1pm at St. Anne's Catholic Church. There is no visitation, committal is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Joanne's name to The Alzheimer's Aid Society of Northern California 2641 Cottage Way Suite 4, Sacramento, CA 95825 or at www.alheimersaidsocietync.org. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.