Joanne Gordon

Joanne L. Gordon (Prater)

Resident of San Jose

Our beloved mother was born in Seattle, Washington on April 11, 1932, and died at home surrounded by family on October 28, 2010, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. There are no words that can adequately describe our mother, who we believe to be the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that God ever created. An avid golfer, world traveler, best friend-she was always the wind beneath our wings. It is too difficult to say goodbye, so we simply say, "see you later mom". Our mom is survived by her three children, Stephen Prater, Debra (Prater) and Danny Hergenroether, Timothy Prater (and Maggie Prater), and step children Kay Dunlap and Chrisanne Gordon. Her oldest son, Michael Prater, and husband C. Keith Gordon predeceased her and now enjoy her company in heaven. Our mother was also blessed to have 10 grandchildren: Jason, Cezanne, Evanne, Brian, Jenny, Stephanie, Cassie, Jason Hawkinson-Prater, Sarah and Josh, as well as 6 great grandchildren: Chase, Makayla, Veronica (Nikki), Vivian and newly born Joanne, who arrived on October 23, 2010.

We will be celebrating mom's life on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., at the Villages Golf and Country Club, at the Vineyard Center (Located at 9100 Villages Fairway Drive). Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you need further directions or information, call Stephen at: (408) 238-1700. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

Finally, we say to mom, "for all the ways you've always been there for usfor the laughter and the tears and the tender care for all of the love that you shared.. thank you, Mom"