Joan Garland Reger

Joanie was a woman of great faith, devoted to her family and her Church community. A gentle loving woman who had a smile for everyone. Joanie demonstrated her faith by actively volunteering in many ministries at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister during Mass and brought Holy Communion to residents at TouchMart and those who were homebound. She spent countless hours happily working with the school children and helping in the Church office. Joanie lead the Ministry of Concern where she provided receptions for many events at the Church to include the Celebration of Life receptions after funerals. Her presence provided great comfort to those in need. Joanie worked closely with the Knights of Columbus providing assistance to them as needed.
Joanie had a great love of music and took after her mother and grandmother, lifting her love of God in song. There was no doubt Joanie was present when she sang during Mass. When Pope John Paul II visited Phoenix, Arizona in 1987, Joanie was asked to sing for him. She did so with great joy and was truly honored to be asked.
Joanie was an accomplished designer and seamstress and utilized that talent by providing Holy Communion dresses to many children in the Parish. She has won many awards at both the Arizona and Washington State Fairs for all her many entries. Although Joanie was living far from her brothers and sister, she always remembered them, especially during Christmas, buy making Christmas shirts, tree skirts and "bow ties". Her sister honors her by decorating her Christmas tree every year with the bow ties Joanie has made. Joanie happily accommodated her son's desire for costumes that he could wear to cheer the children at the hospital where he worked. Joanie created a bunny suit (from the movie "A Christmas Story), a Grinch costume and most recently 2 fabulous clown costumes. She was an amazing talent!
Joanie was married 42 years to a loving husband, Bill, and together they raised Joanie's truest miracle, greatest joy and love, Billy. Her "Special Boy".
Joanie left this world suddenly and much too soon. We know she is in Heaven with Jesus, singing His praises. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and cherished by all those who knew her.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joan Garland Reger, please visit our floral store.