Joanne Ponce

Joanne Marie (Papineau) Ponce was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 29, 1933 to Blanche and Frank Papineau. She was the youngest of nine children: James Ryan, John Ryan, Joe Ryan, George Ryan, Tom Ryan, Paul Ryan, Dot Ryan and Frank Papineau. Joanne was raised in Boston and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic Girls High School. She was quite an athlete in her days playing both basketball and softball. She was proud of the fact that her basketball team played in Boston Garden Arena and won the Boston City Recreation Championship. Joanne shared many fond memories from her beloved Boston; clam digging at the beach, living down the street from Bunker Hill Monument, ice skating on the frozen Charles River, and the infamous Sully's Bar. It was in Boston where she met Antonio "Tony" Ponce, the love of her life. They married and moved to Las Cruces, where they resided and shared a home for 53 years until Tony preceded her in death. Those who knew Joanne often described her as being pretty feisty, genuine, and a great cook with a big heart. She and Tony were well known for their dancing, they seemed to glide so effortlessly across the dance floor together. Joanne and Tony raised six children, but Joanne was called "Mom" by many of her children's friends who were always welcomed into her home at any hour. She never allowed anyone leave her home with less than a full stomach. Joanne revered family above all else and was very proud of all her children. That love and pride paled in comparison to her love and pride for her grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her great joy. In her last days she frequently looked at their pictures, a smile would cross her face, her eyes would light up and she would say, "My babies…..I love my babies!" Mom, we know that the Lord opened his arms and welcomed you home on Sunday, June 29, 2014. You are at peace and once again able to dance with you beloved Tony. We love you and look forward to the day that we all meet again in heaven. Joanne is survived by her six children; Michele Oxford-Ponce (Kathy), Josette Ponce (Errol Fredley), Tony Ponce (Cindy), Chuck Ponce (Mary Kay), Annette Shivers (Dave), Paul Ponce (Lydia); her grandchildren, Phillp Ponce (Vanessa), Catherine Ponce (Mike Jones), Tyra Ponce, Kendall Ponce, Trey Ponce (Rachel), Amanda Ponce, Justin Nehls, Aubrey Shivers, Royce Shivers (Samantha); her great grandchildren, Anthony Ponce, Rebekah Ponce, Benjamin Ponce, Trey Foote, Hannah Shivers, Abigail Shivers, and two more on the way; a brother, Frank Papineau (Mary); sister-in-law, Chita Fernandez (Edward); godson, David Fernandez; goddaughters, Jackie McAlpin and Beverly Morales as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 7 PM in Baca's Chapel of Prayer, 300 E. Boutz Road. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 AM Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in the Basilica de San Albino, 2290 Calle Principal in Mesilla with Reverend Richard Catanach officiating. Inurnment of Cremains will follow in Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road alongside her husband. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joanne's name to La Posada- Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005. They made her last days meaningful and comfortable with their kindness and gentle care. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.