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Joan Blomster Obituary
Redding, CA
Joan Elizabeth Blomster, 58, of Redding died April 11, 2016, surrounded by family.
Complications from throat cancer took Joanie, who was sustained throughout her trials by the love of her family and her faith in the Lord.
Joanie was born Feb. 27, 1958, in Stockton, Calif., the third child of Nolan and Helen Blomster. She grew up in Redding, attending Bonnyview elementary, Live Oak junior high and Shasta High schools. At Shasta, she played in the band and had roles in the musicals "Fiddler on the Roof" and "George M" while excelling academically. She was a happy presence, treasured by friends.
She graduated with a bachelor's degree in health education from San Francisco State University while working at a medical clinic and providing care in a tough part of the city.
Married to Scott Marcus, she settled in to raise her two sons, Daniel and Brandon, in Eureka, becoming active in that town's education community as a liaison for county school administration.
Changes, some painful, set Joanie on a different path. Eventually, after a few detours, she returned to Redding. She and her partner, Walter Hedges, joined First Christian Church as Joanie immersed herself in painting and other art endeavors while being embraced by her family. In the last several years, she found new peace.
Diagnosed with cancer in August 2015, she underwent tough treatment, determined to fight, wearing a bracelet with the word "Fierce" emblazoned on it. Joanie kept fighting until she quietly and without pain returned to God's company.
Joanie is survived by her partner Walter; mother, Helen; brothers Brian (Rita Blomster) and James; sister, Jennie Blomster (Bill Knezovich); sons Daniel and Brandon Marcus; nephew John Blomster; and nieces Julie Blomster and Leslie Winn. Joan was preceded in death by her father, Nolan Blomster, and sister Nancy Winn.
Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, 3590 Placer Street, Redding, CA 96001.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Blomster
Sponsored by anonymous.
Beth
Walter Hedges
April 10, 2025
Dear Joanie , I bought a new guitar and named it Beth short for Elizabeth , miss you all the time
Love you Joanie Always thinking about you
Walter Hedges
February 28, 2025
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Walter Hedges
April 9, 2024
Dear Joanie I can't wait to see you , I hate this place , love always Wobster
Walter
April 10, 2023
Love you Joanie , miss you
Jeanette DesJardins
April 7, 2022
I can't believe that it's been 6 years since Joanie passed away. I know that she is very much missed by all her friends and loved ones. I think of her often, grateful for her friendship and loyalty in our younger years.
Walter
May 22, 2021
Walter
March 5, 2021
Walt
March 4, 2021
Thank you Heavenly Father for Joanie all her idiosyncrasies now gone just a good girl... miss her all the time can't wait to see her again
Walter
March 4, 2021
Walter
March 4, 2021
Walt
March 4, 2021
Walt
March 4, 2021
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
Walter Hedges
February 22, 2019
A fine piece of Art
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
A loved friend
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
Photographer at work
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
A favorite tree
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
Some special photos taken by Joanie
Walter Hedges
December 5, 2018
Love
Walter Hedges
December 2, 2018
How I wish You were here so I could tell You once again that I Love You I know though finally 1 day I will see You again and next time I will not let go and in a place where there is no space or time we can go hand in hand in a special place where Love is the only thing that will matter Joan Elizabeth Blomster I Love You soo very much and miss You everyday cant wait to finally see You again its the only good thing I really look forward to Your Loving friend forever and always Walter
Laurie Aikins
May 2, 2016
I remember Joanie fondly. She always made me crack up when we were kids. I will remember her with smiles. She was a great person. Love to you all.
April 21, 2016
Dear Helen, Jim and family, We are saddened to hear of your loss... our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Mandina's
Mitch and Rita
April 19, 2016
So sorry to hear the news of Joan's passing. She was a dear childhood friend, I will never forget her sweet spirit. Sincerely, Peggy Turner Prescott
April 18, 2016
Helen and family. My heart and prayers go out to you all. I know we have been out of touch, but I think of you often Helen and miss our days together. God bless you all and my prayers are for your family. Jo Anne Harris
Curtis Byron
April 18, 2016
I just heard about Joan and I'm so sorry for your loss. Brian and James, my thoughts and prayers go out to you right now.
Scott Marcus
April 17, 2016
I just found out about the funeral services. I hope they were lovely. I will always remember her creativity and that wonderful singing voice she had.
My prayers are with the whole Blomster family now and forever.
Dave Lisenby
April 17, 2016
Although we haven't been in touch since High School, I have nothing but fond memories of Joanie, Brian and the band 'crew' from SHS.
Peace Joanie and my heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Joan Holland Bottari
April 16, 2016
To All the Blomsters. Be you "Band Geeks" or "String Nerds" my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
April 16, 2016
To all your family our prayers are with you. Such a nice summary of Joan's life. I didn't know she went to school in San Francisco. I got to know her in her adult years! So glad we were able to spend time at Christmas with her and Walter. She was a gift to all of us. Love from the Roger Sullivan family.
Paul Miller
April 16, 2016
I remember Joan as well as the Blomster family,as i lived near by. So sorry for your loss, May she rest in peace.
April 16, 2016
TO THE BLOMSTER FAMILY OUR BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU,,,PEACE
CRAIG AND MIKE CHILDERS
Myrl Holland
April 15, 2016
To all the Blomster family--We are so sorry for your loss.
Myrl Holland and Joan Holland Bottari
Jeff Browne
April 14, 2016
Jim, We're so sorry to hear about Joanie. The good thing is, she's not suffering anymore. That cancer is a terrible thing to deal with and causes so much pain. Our hearts are with you. Jeff & Lin
Kelley Stimpel Martinez
April 14, 2016
Oh my gosh. I am so saddened to read of Joanie's passing. I remember Joanie best in our grade school years. She was fun, funny, and smart. She was my St. James buddy. My condolences to Joanie's family and the entire Blomster family.
Jozel Brunett
April 14, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathies go out to the entire Blomster family
Eleanor Evans and Jozel Evans Brunett
Jeanette DesJardins
April 14, 2016
My heart is mourning for Joanie's family, I am so sorry to learn of her passing. Joanie was one of my closest friends while attending Nova, SHS and SC. Joanie was smart, fun, talented in so many ways. Always willing to help. I wish that I'd known that she was back in Redding, I myself returned in '97 and would have loved reconnecting with her. Forever in our hearts is Joanie Blomster.
betty pedro
April 14, 2016
dear Helen remember the good times we had at bonneyview so sorry to hear of your daughters passing our Cindy passed away last year with cancer she was born same year as joan 1958 our prayers are with you love Betty Pedro
Robin Saunders
April 14, 2016
I knew Joanne all through grade school middle school and high school she lived right around the corner form me, I spend time at her home and she at mine, she was a good friend and it pains me that time is such a Fickle thing and we lost track of each other as adults I wish I'd known she was back in Reading I would have reconnected.Joan was truly one of those people that was kind and loving to everyone she met. Brian I'm so sorry and the rest of your family my love and prayers go to you I was looking forward to reconnecting seeing her at our reunion had no idea she was ill, love from Robin (Robertson)Saunders
Jim Marshall
April 13, 2016
This is so very sad. I went to high school with Joan and just can't believe she is gone. My condolences to all of her family.
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