Book of Memories for JoAnn Oakes

Story shared: My Middle Name

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 16:22:51 EST

I am Gretchen Alva Kirstel, the baby in the picture along with my sister, Maxine, cousins to JoAnn. My middle name is in honor of JoAnn's mother. I have lived with this middle name and am proud to be part of the family. I always sign my name, Gretchen A. Kirstel in order to always keep connected with our family. When my husband, Howard, and I went to visit JoAnn many years ago, we were so proud of how connected she was to her family. Her refridgerator was plastered with pictures of her children and grandchildren. She was so connected with the earth also, as her garden was exquisite. She will be missed by all, but her love will always live in our hearts. Gretchen Alva Kirstel

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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:46:35 EST

Sharing love with cousin, Maxine

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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:45:46 EST

JoAnn being silly and wonderful

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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:45:25 EST

JoAnn and cousins, Maxine and Gretchen

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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:44:56 EST

JoAnn in nursing school

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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:44:31 EST

JoAnn in younger years

Condolence From Maxine J Davis

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:32:06 EST

January 31, 2013 I have just been made aware that my dear cousin, JoAnn is now with God. As with my wonderful husband, Don who passed away on March 6, 2012, they are both with God and sharing the laughter they shared in life. My deep feelings are with Leslie and Blair as I know their sadness and loss. JoAnn was a very special cousin and we shared many loving times in our younger years and although we were miles apart in later years, her warmth and thoughtfulness never left my heart. May God bless and keep her in his loving hands. Maxine

Condolence From Scott Hukari

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:25:18 EST

Leslie & Blair, My sympathy in the loss of your mother, JoAnn. What a gracious and beautiful person she was. Growing up near you, our family was able to enjoy her company on many occasions. Later it was especially fun to stop by when I was in Parkdale and visit with her. She would always make time to sit and talk. She was genuinely interested in all that was going on in our lives. I was truly blessed having known her and her familly.

Memorial Candle lit by Stewart Oakes

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:14:37 EST

Your daughter Buggsie and your son Blair.

Condolence From Beth Hukari

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:11:38 EST

I always enjoyed visiting w/ your Mom. When I moved home to take care of my Dad I often stopped by on my walk to the store if she was working in the yard. I always admired her. May happy memories give you comfort.

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Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:59:56 EST

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Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:59:36 EST

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Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:59:06 EST

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Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:11:52 EST

Story shared: A Lovely Lady

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:26:35 EST

JoAnn was a beautiful person. I would walk around town in the mornings and JoAnn would be out in her yard working. Her yard was always so perfectly manicured. I loved her flowers. She would wave, smile and visit. One day after a scuba diving gathering the Oakes' family had a barbecue. JoAnn wanted to know the recipe for some sauce that Del had brought. She thought it was pretty special. He never wrote down any of the amounts for the ingredients, so between the two of them, they could never duplicate it again. It was the sauce that got away.