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Joan Young Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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richard shirres
March 2, 2006
Being far too wrapped in work, my small family and living across the Atlantic, the last time I saw Joan was on the cool coast of North East England: perhaps not always her favourite clime. But when we last spoke by phone, she sounded her usual bright self with her easy to imagine golden smile. I first met Joan when turning up at John’s & Joan’s house a week before their wedding. She immediately impressed: vibrant and social and with a wry wit - and hey! she plays soccer too! That week with Joan & John & his family was a most memorable week; not least because of Joan’s sense of fun.
So it is some children never have a chance to say the most important things to their parent before it's too late, as I know. With some consolation, I believe there was that needed exchange for Christopher & Geoffrey. The boys had a fine and astute mother indeed. They also have the fortune to have an equally wise father. And one whose understanding of Joan will, I am sure, enable Joan's love and support to be mediated to them still.
Joan is truly not only a person to be missed but also celebrated for how she tackled her life. Her picture here hits me like a brick at the realization. I suspect she is held in affection and missed by far, far more persons than she ever would have realized. Here's to a wonderful spirit, most importantly one that will endure in and assist Christopher & Geoffrey for their lives, and probably beyond, and that must be some consolation to you, John.
With all our love to John & Christopher & Geoffrey,
from Richard & Teresa & Riccardo
Linda Lindsey-Hoy
February 25, 2006
Joan and I met on our first day of college at Mary Washington. We had many great times and shared an apartment in the fan in the early 1980’s. As her many friends have witnessed, Joan was always full of fun and she was truly a remarkable person. She understood that although we cannot choose not to die, we are free to choose how we will face life. She was an example of how to live. My thoughts and prayers are with family.
Vicky Morahan
February 6, 2006
Since they say that time heals all things and 2 weeks have passed since Joan left this world, it's possible that I may be able to make an entry in this guest book. Not that two weeks will do the trick, mind you.
I had the privilege to consider Joan as my dear, dear friend. I was blessed to know her and am a better person for having done so. John and the boys will be dear to our family forever and I have faith that Joan's spirit will stay with me. I will think of her always--our jogs, our dogwalking, sunbathing at the lake, tennis, endless Poseidon meets, biking, critiquing everything under the sun, talking about books, movies & politics (actually the political stuff was Joan's and Joe's specialty). Her sense of humor was unsurpassed, period. I loved my dear friend and will miss her always.
MARY GAIR
February 5, 2006
John was at school with my husband here in Northumberland before he went to live in the U.S. and had the privilege of meeting and marrying Joan. I have known her since our children were all young and our meetings were obviously rare, living, as we do, in separate continents, but I immediately warmed to this very warm and unique woman. We two families have such special memories of times spent together in America and here in Northumberland....climbing hills, silly games involving cornflake packets, cold beers in the garden,,,.umpteen things. All we can do is extend our deep sympathies to John and the boys and let them know that they are constantly in our thoughts.
With our love, Mary, Les and the girls X
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Patty Weindorf (Belthoff)
January 30, 2006
Dear John, Christopher and Geoffrey,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Joan and I were cheerleaders together in high school and shared many classes. She was always a positive, fun-loving person. She was the first person I saw at the reunion and I was amazed at how wonderful she looked. Her personality was bubbly and gracious, just as in high school. I'm sorry we never got to meet. From all the messages I've read you have many good friends to help you. May you find peace and find comfort in all the wonderful memories.
Jim Johnsone
January 30, 2006
It was shock to hear that Joan was ill. I've known her for more than 20 years, meeting her when she has come to England with John and the boys. Their visits always ended too soon. It's difficult to think that someone with so much vitality and zest for life is no longer with us. I'll remember her most for her warmth, sense of humour and quick wit. For someone who had so many positives in her life and gave so much to her family, it will make her loss so much harder to bear. They are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
Jim Johnsone
Stockton on Tees, UK
Donna (Robolino) Reiner
January 29, 2006
I was very sorry to hear of Joan's passing. As I think back of our High School days, I'm grateful that Joan and I were friends. We had some fun times, from playing softball on UGALS to (Can she have a piece of paper?) in Mr. Monroe's Chemistry class. That was a joke we shared. Anyway, what I will remember most of all about Joan, she was a real person; sincere, humble, honest and kind. I always felt comfortable whenever I was around her. It was great to see her and talk to her again at our reunion in 2004. My condolences to her husband, children and family. She will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend... Love, Donna
Karen (Calamari) Kelly
January 29, 2006
When I read in the newspaper about the passing of Joan I called Donna(Robolino) Reiner and the two of us just talked about our times in high school with her. Joan was a person that everybody loved. She always had a smile on her face. We are so glad that she came to the reunion because it was GREAT seeing her and everyone else.
Donna and I were thinking about how we could make it to the viewing but it was impossible for us to be there. Please, if anyone hears about something being done in New Milford for her please let us know.
I am so glad that classmates and friends are leaving so many messages to the family.
My sympathy goes out to Joan's brother,husband,sons,other family members and her friends.
Joan, we will all miss you!
Sincerely yours,
Karen
Mary Cosney
January 28, 2006
Joan`s smile & warmth have engraved her memory in our hearts & minds forever! God Bless
Louise Thorne (Ercolani)
January 28, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Joan's family. As I look at her picture the first thing that comes to mind is her beautiful smile, her laugh and what a great friend she was for so many years. God Bless her husband and family at this time. Her brother whom she loved so much. All the great memories Joan and I shared will always be treasured.
Betty Street
January 27, 2006
John and sons,
Joan will always be remembered. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Rachel Pfab
January 27, 2006
Dear John, Christopher, and Geoffrey, Joan has touched my life for the better. I just wish we would have connected years ago when our kids were in preschool together. I am so happy to have co captained our ladies suburban tennis team together. At times, it was frustrating. Between Joan and myself, we were able to make light of the situation and still have a great time. She was a terrific doubles partner on the tennis court. It was her athletic ablity that enabled us to win our matches. Her love of life and great sense of humor shined on the tennis court at every match. She will be truly missed by myself and our team. My son Brendan adored Joan and asked to visit her many times. It goes without saying that Joan was a terrific Mom and wife who adored her boys. May she rest in peace after all of her suffering.
Valerie Stolcis
January 27, 2006
Joan was unique in her ability to bring an added measure of fun to anyone around her, and to any situation. Her love of life was contagious. My family had the opportunity to vacation with Joan, John and the boys two summers ago. We spent a week at Fairy Stone State Park. The simple pleasures that we all shared with Joan and her family that week will always be treasured memories for us. Joan was always a dear and thoughtful friend. Her courageous spirit, in the face of any adversity, will continue to be an inspiration to us. She will be supremely and sadly missed.
Valerie, Greg and Kyle Stolcis
Lou Elefante
January 27, 2006
I’m saddened to hear of Joan's passing. Joan was a friend of mine in high school. I got to know Joan sitting with her and her friends during lunch periods. Joan could light up a room with her big, bright smile and her positive way of looking at almost anything. After not seeing Joan for almost 30 years, I saw her at the 2004 NMHS reunion. 30 years later, she still lit up the room with her smile and positive way. Nothing had changed. I remember when Joan was a cheerleader in high school. During football games, each cheerleader would do personal cheer for each senior team member. During each game that season, Joan did her cheer for the guy on the sidelines, on crutches with the broken leg. Joan was just the type of person to do the cheer for the guy with the broken leg, rather then the handsome halfback or quarterback. That guy with the broken leg was me. Although I was not able to play any games that year, Joan’s cheer helped make me feel like I was still part of the team.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joan’s family, John, Christopher and Geoffrey.
Lou Elefante
Ann Lersch
January 27, 2006
I did not know Joan very long, but she was one of the most up-beat people I've had the pleasure of meeting. My first game of soccer (ever!) was with the Outlaws a few years ago on a day we had to play the whole game short-handed. Joan's attitude was, don't worry about not having played before, we're happy to have you, just go out and have fun. I came to admire that this was Joan's approach to life - all of us who were blessed to be touched by this gift of Joan's are better for it, and saddened to now only have memory of it. Our prayers are with you.
Sherrill Jack Wyatt
January 27, 2006
Dear John and Boys,
Wanted to let you know how sorry we are for your loss. Joan was a wonderful and funny person who we have the best memories of. We will always remember the great Halloween parties she gave and talking for hours at the Lake. The three of us feel so lucky to have known her.
Sherrill, Spencer & Elizabeth Jack
Louise Neborak
January 27, 2006
I met Joan through the babysitting co-op and always appreciated her for the kind and caring person she was. She touched many lives and will leave a hole in the hearts of all of them, mine included. I am sorry that she was taken from you this early. Please accept my condolences
Connie Dowler
January 27, 2006
To a wonderful friend who always provided laughter and always listened. I will miss you so much.
Ann Golick
January 26, 2006
My sincere condolences to Joan's family. Although I hadn't seen Joan for many years, she did come to the NMHS reunion just last year and we had a chance to re-connect albeit briefly. She was as happy and friendly as I remember her in high school.
I am so saddened by Joan's passing.
David and Deborah Smith
January 26, 2006
Joan's courage and grace in her relentless quest for life were an inspiration to us all. She showed us how to love life and how to live it to the fullest - one day at a time. Godspeed.
Connie Jensen
January 26, 2006
"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd climb right up to heaven and bring you back again." The world will not be the same for those of us who knew and loved Joan.
Judy,Al, Alex and Jess Massey
January 26, 2006
Dear John, Christopher & Geoffrey,
I had the pleasure of first meeting Joan at Church of the Ascension in 5th grade. She had all those great qualities of being a friend, witty, creative, and loving laughter. How grateful I am that we shared so much together through high school. And years later we were blessed to have our families bond with camping and beaching it in the Outer Banks. These are just some of the great memories I have with Joan. May all those wonderful memories of adventures and moments you had together give you peace.
Joan's hearty spirit will always be with us. She's such a special person. Know that we are keeping you in our prayers.
Love,
Robert Ong
January 26, 2006
Dear Joan's family,
I can only tell you how saddened I am to hear of Joan's passing and please accept me and my family's warmest and most sincere condolances. Joan was always a dear friend of mine throughout the high school years and I cannot begin to tell you how much her friendship and sincerity always meant to me. I remember when I was performing in a school talent contest, and she dragged her girlfriends to attend and give a standing ovation to support me. That was huge and told me everything about her and her devotion to friends.
Please know that the time she spent and the hearts she touched while here, shall always be cherished and remembered forever.
My most sincere and humble sympathies,
Robert Ong
JEFF SOKOLIK
January 26, 2006
A SAD DAY FOR A NMHS GRAD ,I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND IT MIGHT JUST EASE THE PAIN A LITTLE.WE WERE ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SINCERLY JEFF.
Pat Robertson (Zadroga)
January 26, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family.
God bless.
Betty Bailey
January 26, 2006
A very posititve and supportive person you could meet. I met her at Briarwood playing tennis and she always had a kind word and a smile. May the Lord continue to be with you all at this time. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Margaret Keck
January 26, 2006
Just wanted you to know how sorry I am about the passing of your Wife and Mother. Joan was always so friendly to me and I always enjoyed her sence of humor. I know she was a great friend to my friend Vicki Morahan, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My families prayers are with you.
Deborah DuBois Jones
January 26, 2006
To Joan's family~
Joan was one of the first people I met at New Milford High School....I clearly remember her friendliness and smiling personality...something the "new kid" in a school truly appreciates. We were cheerleaders together and although I did not stay in touch with Joan after high school, her kindness will always be remembered. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Donna Knoop
January 26, 2006
John, Christopher, and Geoffrey,
I have fond memories of your mom and the summer days at lake Salisbury. They were great years. The Christmas lights and decorations were always terrific as well.
Know that your mom is in a place now where she is comforted and out of pain and remember the great times and her love for you. Maybe you could light up the trees in front of your house for her to see!
Take care
Debbie Bigbee
January 26, 2006
Joan and I went back along time, we were classmates from kindergarten through high school. Although we had a different circle of friends, I will always remember Joan's sunny personality. Just two years ago I found out that she grew up in the house I presently live in. When she was up in New Milford we had made plans to get together, but things didn't work out. I truly regret that. My deepest sympathy to her husband and children. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Joan is in a far better place than we can even imagine. My deepest sympathy.
Doreen Brandes
January 26, 2006
Although I have not seen Joan for many years, whenever I think of her it always brings a smile to my face. She had that impact on everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patricia and Tom May
January 26, 2006
Our memories of Joan are great ones. We went to high school with Joan and I cheered with her and had many classes together during those 4 years. Joan was a beautiful girl and we think quite often of all those great times together. Our deepest sympathy to her family. May she rest in God's hands.
Patti and Tom May
Ellen DeLucia
January 26, 2006
Knowing Joan was a treat. Everything was always comfortable with Joan. She was honest and straightforward – you had to like her. From learning cartwheels in her backyard to walking home from high school – you couldn’t have asked for a better friend. She’ll always be remembered with love.
Beverly Durrer
January 26, 2006
John and sons,
Chris and I were so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. Even though we have never met, I know what special friends you all have been to Chris' sister Vicki and Joe, Catherine and Joe,III. And we did meet your sons at a UVA football game last fall-they are fine young men.
Please know we hold you in our prayers at this sad time.
Kim Merrels
January 26, 2006
Having met Joan in her teens, I think the world has been a better place with her in it. She was an amazingly strong woman -- may her strength carry you through these difficult times.
Libby Walker
January 26, 2006
Joan was vibrant, intelligent and witty; the type of woman I aspire to be. I loved how politically aware and opinionated she was, any conversation with her was always interesting. Her sons Christopher and Jeffrey are a true testament to her life.
Gary Wade
January 26, 2006
A more posititve and lively and supportive person you could not wish to meet. Always with a smile even when John was playing terrible soccer. We will miss you Joan, but we will rally round John and the boys..........in sorrow Gary Wade.
Joan & Janet NMHS Reunion 2004
January 26, 2006
Gayles Parkermoore
January 26, 2006
John and Family
My heart was very broken to heard about the passing of your wife and my friend. Joan has always been a great inspiration in my life. Joan will be truly missed by a whole lot of people. If there is any assistance that I can offer you and your family please don't hesitate to contact me by email.
We all know that Joan is in a better place no more suffering.
Gayles Parkermoore
Jason Macko
January 26, 2006
I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Cheryl Sculthorpe
January 26, 2006
John,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Kim Onder
January 26, 2006
John, Christopher and Geoffrey: I have so many fond memories of Joan and all of us visiting at the Lake. She was a great Mom and had quite a sense of humor. She will be missed by so many. I was glad to have known her for as long as I did.
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