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Joi Tonaki Bess

Joi Bess Obituary

BESS, Joi Tonaki
June 7, 1966 - Feb. 16, 2009
Passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long courageous battle with breast cancer. Daughter of the late George M. Tonaki, Joi will be lovingly remembered by her mother Sylvia Tonaki, husband Sam, daughters Ciera and Madison, stepsons Colton and Adam, and brother Tad Tonaki. Joi was born in Sacramento and a native of Rancho Cordova. She graduated from Cordova High School and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from CSUS. Joi will always be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, her bright smile and cheerful attitude. She was a passionate nurse and accomplished homemaker at her dream home in Folsom that she shared with her mother, husband and their children. As a nurse she became an avid supporter of other cancer patients and survivors. There will be a celebration of Joi's life on Friday, March 27, 2009, 4:00PM at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, 500 Leisure Lane. Per Joi's request "No Boohoo Crap", bright colorful colors only. Remembrances can be made in Joi's name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joi Bess

Sponsored by Sam (pink mama's hubby).

37 Entries

Rosalyn smith

May 9, 2012

Dear Joi, you are now beginning your peaceful rest.

Michelle Trotter

May 8, 2012

Tad and family: I am so sorry to hear about your sisters passing. My thoughts are with you and yours.

The Bess Family

March 28, 2009

You have forever touched our hearts, our lives and WE WILL Love You Always. You were always such a positive inspiration on our entire family. Your infectious Laugh and Bright cheerful smile will forever be remembered. We will always Love you...

Bria Nissen

March 27, 2009

Hey,
Im one of Madi's BEST friends. I hope you are all doing fine! My mom died from cancer also. If you need any help with anything im here to help.

Jane Leonardo

March 26, 2009

The neighborhood won't be the same without Joi. See y'all at the celebration.

Cici & Sylvia(Nana)

March 24, 2009

Joi & Madi

March 24, 2009

Chris & Buzz Severson

March 23, 2009

Tad So sorry to hear about your sisters passing. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Love Chris and Buzz

Joi & Sam's home improvement passions

March 23, 2009

Joi & Sam's home inprovement they enJOI'd

March 23, 2009

Erica & Joi

March 23, 2009

Tonaki's in SF 2008

March 23, 2009

Favorite time of Year

March 23, 2009

Judy Brosi

March 21, 2009

To the family and friends of Bess. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I did not know Bess, but I am here to tell you that I am walking 60 miles in a 3 day walk for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer cure in October in San Francisco, CA. And I will add her name to my tee shirt in her memory for all of you.

May her wings wrap all of you and keep you smiling always.

Respectfully,
Judy Brosi

Santa Cruz 08/Joi & Sam

March 18, 2009

Santa Cruz 08/Adam & Cici

March 18, 2009

Santa Cruz 08/Colton & Madi

March 18, 2009

Joi & Sam

March 18, 2009

Joi,Ciera & Madison

March 18, 2009

Kelley Livingston

February 26, 2009

Joi was one of my best friends during nursing school. In fact, I don't think I would have made it through without her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Kelley

Kathleen Shea

February 24, 2009

Sam, Aunty Sylvia, Tad, Cici, and Madison,

I have always looked forward to spending time with Joi. Her humor and strength I have always admired. The house always filled with laughter, as I make my short visits with Joi and Family. Joi will truly be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Kathleen Shea

Toni Minasian-Presti

February 24, 2009

Tad,

I am going to miss her soo much. We have a lot of great memories from school and over the past years. She was a beautiful person inside and out. And she was blessed to have a brother like you, to help her thru such an trying time in her life and yours.

Always know that you and your family is loved.

You "extended" family is here for you, with love and a shoulder too.

Toni

Jennifer Howell - Watson

February 24, 2009

I am going to miss my best friend,like a sister to me of 36 years. Who is going to get on my case now for not buying "Coach".
You put up an amazing fight.
Sam, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Syliva, Tad and the girls.

Jennifer, Zachary & Jessica Watson

The Thompson's

February 24, 2009

I knew Joi from Capital Christian where our children went to school together.

She always had a smile on her face. She always had such a great spirit about her. Just a great lady. She will be missed by so many.

Our heart goes out to the family.
To Madison and Ciera, keep her alive in your heart forever. She loves you both so much.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

The Thompson's ~
Kevin, Tina, Hunter and Blaze

Gregg DeCillis

February 23, 2009

Thoughts and prayers Tad. I'm very sorry for what you are having to go through. Take care and God Bless.

Kent and Paula Rossi

February 23, 2009

Tad,
As you know, Joy and I worked at the same company and talked often through email while she was battling cancer. I’m still stunned that she is gone. She was a fantastic person and always found a way to make me laugh, even on days when things weren’t going so well. I extended my assistance to her and now to you. If you or your family need anything, please let me know. I’m available anytime. Paula and I want you to know that your family is in our prayers.

Peter Low

February 22, 2009

Tad,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

LYNDA COLEMAN

February 22, 2009

Hey T
I wish I was there to give you a hug. You take care of yourself and your mom. As I said before, from what you told me of your sister she was great lady! I am sorry I never got the chance to meet her in person. Her daughters will always carry her with them.

Marcella Elberg

February 22, 2009

Tad, I am very sorry for the loss of Joi. I did not know her but your love shined through when you spoke of her. My condolences to your family.

February 22, 2009

Tad,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sharon Molinar, Folsom, California

Erica Burdock

February 21, 2009

Tad, my heart goes out to you and your family!!!

Scott Hermansen

February 21, 2009

Wow. I still remember teaching her how to play trombone back at Mills Junior High. That was, like, in 1979.

My heart goes out to the Bess and Tonaki families.

Matt Karver

February 21, 2009

I am so sorry to here of Joi's passing. I knew her in high school and thought the world of her.

Matt Karver, Roseville

Nancy Friday Johnson

February 21, 2009

It's hard to believe I was a part of your family 25 years ago. My heart aches for your loss. Joi was such a "buzz" of energy, so smart, and with a great outlook on the world. Those were very special years in my life. I pray that the wonderful memories you have will give you some comfort at such a difficult time. ... Love, "Nancy Mae"

Melissa Daily

February 21, 2009

Sam, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa (Tovar) Daily
Cruz Tovar

David Stuff

February 21, 2009

It was a pleasure to have known Joi. Our hearts go out to all of Joi's family. David and Laura Stuff

Tracey Prough (Price)

February 21, 2009

My heart goes out to the Tonaki and Bess families. Joi was a big part of our lives growing up. Joi wrote to me several years ago when my brother Brian and I were sick with cancer, I did not know she was. I found out about her passing this morning through my brother Todd and my mom and was heartbroken. I am so sorry for your loss. Tad my heart and prayers are with you and your family. Joi was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

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