M. Joanne Belda

Margaret Joanne Belda, matriarch of our family, was called home peacefully August 1st, 2022, following a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's. Joanne was 83. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach and was active in various church activities. Joanne was employed by the Virginia Beach Public School system for 40 years as an elementary school teacher, high school teacher, and high school administrator (AP). She earned a B.S. in Ed. From James Madison University, as well as her M.Ed. and Ed.S degrees from the University of Virginia. Joanne was much involved in the Virginia Council for the Social Studies where she served as past President and in various other roles to help educators and to further her student's education. An athlete herself, she loved cheering on her school and students at all the sporting events. She was predeceased by her parents, Jocquine Pedro Sr. and Margaret Kello Belda, stepmother Virginia Catherine Belda, older brother's, Jocquine Jr. "Pete", and Donald Belda. She is survived by sister Nancy and husband Joe Wall, brother Craig and wife Robyn Belda, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joanne was also predeceased by Martha Nielsen, her life partner and best friend who also passed after a long battle with dementia. Together Joanne and Martha enjoyed their lives serving thousands of children and their families in Virginia Beach Public Schools and they served our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joanne and Martha loved taking cruises and traveling the world, gaining knowledge through history and different cultures. Always being active, Joanne and Martha loved to ski, golf, walk and take in the salt air coming off the ocean. They both enjoyed the Performing Arts, reading, puzzles and watching Jeopardy (Answering almost all of them correctly). Much of their journey in life was spent enjoying the company of their best friends, Tilley and Katharine Ann. Tea–time was 5:00 sharp and dinner was to follow along with lots of laughter. Joanne is also survived by three angels sent by God. I cannot say enough as words do not describe the unselfish love and care that Tina and Cyndi gave Joanne and will never be forgotten. Also, Rina from Freda H. Gordon's Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater that showed us all the angels we didn't see in the room that comforted our sweet lioness, Joanne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the donor's organization of choice or The Alzheimer's Association Joanne and Martha will have a joint Funeral Mass of the Resurrection to be held at 3:00 on Tuesday August 30th at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1404 Pacific Ave. Virginia Beach with a celebration of their lives to follow. Craig, Robyn and H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Are handling arrangements.