The glorious sunset filling the sky 10 minutes after Joan passed. 

Sunset from Joan’s room the night before her passing. 

We all remember how difficult it was to learn how to ride a bike. 
It was a funny sight to see, when my dad purchased a tandem bicycle, and mom and dad went for their first ride.  Mom hadn't ridden a bike for a while, so on every turn she would lean the opposite way. Needless to say, they seldom drove in a straight line, and we even heard a few screams along the way.

Joan sure loved Olive Garden! She could have been a spokesperson for them.  The wait staff knew her by name.  Joan hardly ever said a word, but they knew her. What surprised me even more was that she knew their names! Skip the Visa gift card, just get the one from Olive Garden. Joan also enjoyed Chinese food. She always ordered the exact same food as far back as we can remember - Beef Chop suey.

I was very young when we moved to South America, however, to this day I still have many fond memories because life was so different.  We had bodyguards that watched us around the clock. Wherever we went, we drove in a bullet proof Mercedes Benz that never stopped for a traffic light or stop sign. Mom fell in love with Caracas Venezuela and surrounding jungles. She loved the huge butterflies, hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys and waterfalls. We moved quite often as a protective measure. One of the homes we stayed, was in the jungle. The home had open air access and it was amazing all the creatures that would wonder in. Much to my mom's dismay. One of the loudest screams I ever heard was when a huge moth, with approximately a 12-inch wingspan landed on her. 

I remember having two apple trees in the back yard. Every fall we would pick the apples off the trees to make dozens of apple pies. My mom and for a while my grandmother, baked for days on end. All the pies went into a huge freezer in the basement. We enjoyed an apple pie almost weekly for many years. It was amazing how many neighbors would stop by because the fragrance of apple pie was blowing in the wind. I still love those crisp apple pies!

The story of Bootsie... After Patches passed away, mom went to the pet store to look at the puppies and cheer herself up. It turned out to be an adoption day. She spotted Bootsie in the group right away and started crying. The volunteers saw her, talked to her for a while, and "convinced" her to let them buy Bootsie for her, along with some dog food and toys. It was love at first sight. She was mom's baby!

To my husband Tod, his brothers and Joan’s grandchildren, I wish you peace of heart, soul and mind❣️ Saying a final goodbye is heart wrenching even when it is a blessing that ends suffering. 

Joan was a very quiet woman. Yet, it is obvious when looking at photos, she was filled with joy when in the company of family and friends.  She always had a beaming smile on her face.   My fondest memories are when she visited. We would get her to play a board game or two.  Her playful  and cunning spirit would surface along with giggles and smiles!😁

Your gentle spirit will be missed here on Earth Joan.   In my heart, I know you are an Angel in heaven watching over all of us here on Earth; especially your new Great Graddaugter❣️🌈💞

Love, 
Julie


My thoughts and prayers are with all of you of the loss of Joan! She will be missed at all of the family holidays she attended at our home! 
She sent a beautiful sunset the evening she left us here on earth to say goodbye and let us know she arrived in heaven! 
Hugs & Love,  Joy

Joan was always so nice to me. She had a smile on her face all the time. I'm so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. ❤️ 

Joan was a dear friend for 61 years.  Our kids grew up together--Dale/Tod, Dawn/Kerry, Heidi/Kenneth.  We visited each other often in Glendale Heights until we moved away in 1974.  She would come up to Minnesota and we would go down to Glendale Heights and visit.  I will really miss having her for a friend.  Sincere condolences to all the family of my dear friend Joan.

OBITUARY

Joan M. Novak

14 February, 1935 – 27 September, 2022

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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Joan M. Novak