Joanne Wanat

Joanne Spencer Wanat
August 6, 1946 – July 5, 2025
Joanne Spencer Wanat, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was born on August 6, 1946, in Washington, D.C., at Providence Hospital to Jean and Warren Spencer. Her journey through life took her from the capital to Washington State, California, and eventually to Texas, where she planted deep roots and built a life of compassion, service, and love.
Joanne met the love of her life, John Wanat Jr., on Valentine's Day in 1964 while he was on leave from the Army. Their love story culminated in marriage on December 20, 1966, beginning a life filled with devotion, shared purpose, and enduring partnership.
She began high school at Providence High School in San Antonio and later graduated from St. Louis High School in Castroville, Texas. A woman of immense strength and determination, Joanne pursued her calling in nursing, graduating from the Incarnate Word Nursing School in 1984. She devoted her career to caring for others, working at Southwest General Hospital, Wilford Hall Medical Center, and later in home health care-always with gentleness, warmth, and an unshakable dedication to her patients.
Joanne loved to sing and found joy in raising her voice with her church choir, expressing her deep and abiding faith. Her favorite image of the Virgin Mary was the Madonna of the Streets, which beautifully reflects her gentle, nurturing spirit.
She had a boundless love for animals and all living creatures, and cared tenderly for her cherished pets, especially Ginger and Marshall. She also raised Rat Terriers for many years, surrounding herself with the joy and companionship of animals.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, John Wanat Jr.; her children: Monica Wanat, Valerie Benke (Dude), and Aimee Flores (Rudy III); and her grandchildren: Megan Miranda (Ryan), Melody Benke, Marissa Greene (Bryan), Makayla Benke (Isreal), and Spencer Bosarge (Brianna). She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Angel, Rudy IV, RJ, Roman, Ranger, Remington, Jameson, Marley, May, Ramsey, and Grayson.
She is also survived by her siblings: Richard Spencer, Kathy Frederick, and Jim Spencer. She is preceded in death by her dear sister Cecilia Esposito.
Joanne's legacy is one of unwavering kindness, selflessness, and love that extended far beyond her family. Her warmth, laughter, and enduring spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In honor of Joanne's life, may we remember to care deeply, love fully, and lift our voices in song to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for the life that our beloved Joanne shared with her loving family, who will miss her dearly.
The Memorial Holy Rosary will be recited on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 17534 N. State Hwy 16, Von Ormy, Texas 78073. The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. A Committal Service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Mass intentions requested by family iin-lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com