A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

We gather today to celebrate Joanne's life. She did not want a traditional wake or funeral.  That's why we are here, in a Mexican restaurant. 

In a few minutes, we'll be eating quesadillas, chips, and salsa with the Margaritas flowing. And. let's not forget, Jilly's Cupcakes, her favorite.

Her favorite music is playing. Pink, Cher, Reba, and Lady Gaga. She admired strong women who were not afraid to speak their minds.  You all know how much she loved the art and wisdom of  Frida Kahlo, another strong woman.

All of you here today were important people in Joanne's life. She loved you She wants this day to be filled with lots of joy, laughter, and memories  You are the ones who knew how funny she was. You are the ones who knew what a kind and generous heart she had. If someone admired something of hers Joanne would give it to them. She figured if one of her possession made someone happy, they deserved to have it. She loved giving gifts. That's what made her happy.

I am not going to talk about how she persevered in her life. I am not going to talk about how she advocated tirelessly for herself. You have read all about that in her blog. Her blog was a part of her. Her posts may have ruffled some feathers, but she was proud of them.

I really do not know how to eulogize someone. Joanne was quiet and shy. She was not a people person. if she let you into her life it was because she knew you would not judge her or force her to do anything she did not want to do. She trusted you.

Jonne wanted a tattoo She was too much of a wimp to actually get one She would have gotten a small Frida crown tattooed on her ankle. Another tattoo idea she had was to have "Love, Mom" tattooed on her hand from a greeting her mom had sent to her. (Both were nice ideas, but there was pain involved She was too wimpy to take the risk.)

Joanne had to be strong after her mom died. She had no other choice but to allow people she did not know to take care of her That was the hardest challenge she faced in the years after 2010 until her death. She never fully adapted to having strangers care for her. She tried. Believe me, she tried.

At the end of her life, she lived in a facility where the staff truly cared. Their goal was to do whatever they could to make her life better until God called her.

Today is a day. to remember.  Share your memories. Laugh a lot She does not want her friends and family to mourn her.  

Joanne is probably relaxing on a beach in California or Mexico at this very moment. Watching hot air balloons float by overhead. Spirits can go anywhere. She can hold her Margarita herself.  No staw is needed.

Let's get this, party started!!

Does anyone need a Margarita?

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