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Joellen Alward Obituary
Joellen (Jodi) Anne Alward
Resident of Sonoma
Died peacefully on September 15, 2011, in Sonoma, California, surrounded by her loving family.
Jodi was born in San Jose, to Jack and Fern Tomlinson (n‚e Rhoades), and grew up in Willow Glen. As a young woman, she was a Rainbow Girl, a Lincoln High School cheerleader, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta at San Jose State University.
She met James Richard (Rick) Alward in 1966, and they were married later that year. During their 45 years together, they raised a daughter, Katherine Clary; founded a beverage business; and devoted themselves to philanthropy. Jodi loved children and tirelessly gave her time and many talents to help them by volunteering with Rotary, Inner Wheel, Sonoma Charter School, and The Boys and Girls Clubs.
Jodi is survived by her husband; daughter; and sister and brother-in-law, Gayle and Joe Ortiz.
In lieu of flowers, please continue Jodi's support of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley with a contribution to its Youth Scholarship Fund. Send to: "In memory of Jodi" c/o SVRF, PO Box 910, Sonoma, CA 95476.
A memorial will be held Oct. 30, 2011. For information, please go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/memorial4jodi. Inquiries can be made to Duggan's Mission Chapel at (707) 996-3655 or at www.duggansmissionchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joellen Alward
2 Entries
September 22, 2011
I met Jodi through my sister, Jeanie, and she became my friend, too. She was a generous, fun-loving, kind, and sweet-spirited soul who made my life richer just for knowing her. My sympathy to Rick and family...may your precious memories comfort you and your faith sustain you.
Glenda Scogin, Arkansas
Jeanie scarzafava
September 21, 2011
Jodi was the best friend a person could have. She expanded my heart, my life, and my family.
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