
Tomorrow 5 years without my only daughter. How have I survived this passing of time? She makes her beautiful spirit known to me. I acknowledge and express gratitude each and every time. I love her into the eternity of our souls reconnecting. It is just so hard to remain patient as I wait for that time.



Fours years have passedâ€¦ There is not a single day that I do not think of my precious daughter. If it wasn't for the fact that Joanna visits from time to time, I don't know if I could survive another 4 years here. Time is funny now. It isn't passing fast enoughâ€¦ It stands stillâ€¦ It zooms by. 



Not one single day passes that I do not acknowledge loving my Joanna.



We loved each other through it all. We still love each other and always will. She tell me so...



I miss those beautiful blue eyes and her sweet smile!



Today... Today people almost everywhere celebrate Valentine's Day. Some will remember that today is Joanna's Birthday. Today would have been one of her most special celebrations; Joanna would have been 30 years old.

Joanna will never be 30. She will never grow old.   Joanna will forever be a beautiful 27 year old woman, a teenager battling the frustration of adolescents, a 5 year old soaking up the world, and a smiling, loving, trusting baby girl.

Joanna has transcended to perfection.  There is not a day that I don't wish her back to this imperfect world or that I will find perfection.

Happy Birthday Baby of Mine. I will toast your birth, your life your rise to perfection  until the end of my days.

All of my love, all of my tears...
Ma



It's your Great Grand Mother's Birthday! Give her a kiss for me. 
I love you both,
Momma



The second Anniversary of Joanna's passing was two days ago. I am only now writing my remembrance. The last several weeks have been very difficult leading up to that day. Thankfully we were among family and friends who supported us through...

Joanna's garden is thriving, new prayer flags are hung. She would love it. But she would not like so much fuss being made over her.

I do believe that this second year anniversary was far worse than the first. 

I just want to wake up from this terrible nightmare. But I'm not dreaming and want to sleep...

Please everyone, remember our Joanna. Talk about her. Say her name. Her spirit lilts around us. I ache to touch her...

I can't say anything more. Life is impossible without my child.

Joanna knows my heart, she always has.

AR



Happy Birthday Daughter of Mine!
Forever in my heart...
Ma



Thinking of you today Anna Rae,
 Harrison and Andy. 
 We know your precious daughter
 & sister is in a beautiful, healthy and loving place.  



Today is the anniversary of my Grand Mother's birth. Her name is Marian Claudine.

The first labor pain announcing Joanna Claudine's approching arrival was also on this date 29 years ago. Grand Mother was with me and we had dinner at the Clay Pot in Krum, Texas.

Now they are together and I miss them both each and every day...



You can't know how much we miss our blue eyed angel with every single breath we take...

Each day I acknowledge and am grateful for the lessons that she taught me. Exactly one week before her passing; I remember it like it was yesterday, Joanna challenged my sense compassion. I pondered her words and responded as she had urged. Thank you Joanna for helping me to be a better person.

Love Eternally,
Ma



I received this news long after Jo passed, I spent the winter of 2009/ 2010 in Austin TX. Jo was one of the first people I met there. She brought me plants for my house and helped me with the puppies. I miss her very much. My condolences to her family. She was always such an angel. <3 Raina



One year without Joanna's physical presence is fast approaching. We think of her daily. We talk of her often. We miss her constantly. She is ever present in our hearts.



Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,
I wanted to express our remembrances of Joanna, your lovely daughter and Harrison's  beloved sister. One of my fondest memories of Joanna was how she befriended Seaton when he first moved back to Texas.  She was always friendly and down to earth with him and to everyone she met. He always said how much he liked spending time with her. Another time, Anna Rae and I met Joanna before one of Andy's gigs and I remember how she walked in wearing her summer frock with her flip-flops on, flashing that wonderful smile, her curly hair bouncing, and we had the best time. She talked about researching her family history and finding out more about the Cowan's family tree. I am a history teacher and I loved her enthusiasm, she was so intelligent! Heaven has gained an angel, just as Harrison said; "God really wanted her with Him" Your big sister will be forever watching over you.

Your Friends,
Vanessa, Philip, Seaton, Emily, and Ryan Brown




Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,
We posted two things to Joanna's legacy.com website by mistake and are reposting them both here.  With our love to Joanna and to you,
Lisa, Jim & Erika
****************************
August 8, 2010
We stopped by to say goodnight to Joanna last night on the way back from your house to Erin & Chip's. The caretaker followed us in, and closed the gates behind us for the night when we left. There was quiet and peace all around her, and a Mama elephant standing close by her Baby, steadfastly watching over.

our love to you and Joanna, Lisa & Jim





Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,
We posted this on the legacy website by mistake on August 8, and are reposting it here.  Our love  to Joanna, and to you.
Lisa & Jim
*******************************
Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,

Death is nothing at all:
I have only slipped away into the
next room.
I am I and you are you;
Whatever we were to each other, that 
we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which
you always used.
Put no difference in your tone;
Wear no forced air or solemnity or
sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the 
little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, 
pray for me.
Why should I be out of mind because 
I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an
interval, somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
-Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918), England





Anna Rae, Andy, Harrison
Our hearts break for you. We've been out of town and wish we could have been here for you.

Mother's Song
I've lost my baby daughter,
Though not misplaced.
I feel she's somewhere
Bound by neither time nor space.
Perhaps she sits before the Throne
With radiant face.
She could be dancing happily
Like little girls do
With golden taps beneath
Each precious little shoe.
I know she must love music,
So I'm sure it's true.
I'm grateful that in Heaven
She is healthy and strong
And that she's lulled to sleep each night
By Heaven's song,
But I wish I could hold her;
Is that terribly wrong?
I sang so often to her
While she was with me
And I will go on listening
For her harmony.
How sweet to know
I'll hear it In eternity.

Lisa L. Easterling
Copyright 1990 


Please know that you are in our thoughts and Joanna is free from her bonds.

Cindi, Rich, Hollis and Ben



Words for Joanna...

Thank you for joining us in offering love, respect and remembrance of our precious daughter.  We also thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St.Davidâ€™s South Austin Hospital for their valiant efforts to save our child.  Joanna, my beautiful perfect Valentine baby blessed me and everyone who knew and loved her with 27, all too brief, years of unbridled joy, love and devotion.

Before I tell you a bout Joanna I need;  rather must, share this... A friend wrote; â€œJoanna was not taken, God retrieved her.â€  I believe this to be true.  God stepped in where no other could and freed her from the shackles of an abusive longterm relationship. She was mesmerized by evil disguised as a man. Her family could not save her, her friends could not save her,   and others stood by, watched and did nothing. Joanna did not have the strength to save herself, so God did. While her abuser did not cast a fatal blow, or wield a blade, or pull a trigger, his actions and inactions were the root cause of Joannaâ€™s all too early death.  

A friend called a couple of nights ago.  I thought that she was calling to offer her heart felt condolences, and of course did.  She then continued; through her tears, to tell me that she was leaving Texas, going back home to Ohio.  She said that she was leaving 
because of Joanna.  She then reveled that she was also in a long-term abusive relationship with an addict.   Now sheâ€™s going home to the safe, warm, loving arms of her family and our beautiful Joanna is her inspiration.

Please everyone, be aware, step up, do the sometimes difficult and always right thing, make a difference, save a womanâ€™s life.

When I think of Joanna; I see her smile, I hear her laugh, I smell her fresh baby scent, I feel her innocence, and remember her gentle touch.  Joanna was flowing skirts, cascading curls, silver bracelets and flip flops.    Her eyes were an indescribable clear blue.  Joannaâ€™s smile rivaled the Mona Lisaâ€™s. Her exuberant 
laughter;  with  her head thrown back, and mouth wide open, was infectious. No one 
could resist sharing her joy. She was natural beauty inside and out; demonstrating selfless generosity for all who were fortunate enough to have crossed her path.  She danced into our hearts.


For as long as I can remember, Joannaâ€™s favorite animal has been the elephant. I explored the symbolism of elephants and discovered that Joanna and elephants have quite a bit in common.  The peaceful elephant is the symbol of strength, honor, stability and gentle patience. The elephant has immense determination and loyalty - always standing up for others. 

Elephants express advanced sensitivity and social connection.   Some Asian cultures  believe the elephant is a cosmic creature, and carries the world upon itâ€™s back. The ancient Chinese, early Christians, and Aristotle applauded the chastity, faithfulness, and modesty of the elephant.  

In many western cultures, the elephant symbolism pertains to: Reliability, Dignity, 
Power, Royalty and Pride.

In Christian symbolism the elephant is an icon of temperance, patience, and chastity.

As a Chinese symbol, the elephant is considered a symbol of happiness, longevity, good luck.  I am also like the elephant, steadfast in protecting her baby.  

In remembrance of Joanna, every time you see an elephant remember her warmly, smile and say her name.

Joanna expressed her sensitivity and social connection with her family and friends.  Family was everything to Joanna.  She loved her expansive and diverse family deeply, especially her brother who she adored  since the moment he was born.  Joanna talked about her pride in the young man that he was becoming.  

She loved her Dads and thought that she was pretty luck to 
have two.

She found solace in tending her plants and nurturing her dog, cat and fish. My hair is long, un-styled and growing grayer with each passing day and itâ€™s because of Joanna.  She would say, â€œMa, stop coloring your hair, you will look so beautiful with long, silver hair.â€  

When someone would comment on how much Joanna and I looked alike; Joanna always acknowledged with beaming pride  â€œThank you, my Momma is beautiful, isnâ€™t she!â€   

When I have asked Joanna, â€œWhatâ€™s the most important thing in the world?â€  She would invariably respond, â€œLove.â€ 

I play a sort of game with my children.  I will ask them â€œWho loves you?â€  Their lists grow longer as they think,  remember and say the names; your names.  They save â€œMomâ€ for the end.  And in the end, there is no greater love for a child than that of a devoted Mother.   

Andy, Harrison and I will never recover from this tragic loss.  Like someone with a chronic pain, we can only learn to live with the constant ache from the hole in our hearts.  

We are grateful  for the days that Joanna blessed us with.  And will forever guard our cherished, treasured memories of her.  We will miss our angel baby...



Music selections for Joanna;

Funny Valentine; performed by Lissa Hattersly, Sweet Mary on violin

Fields of Gold; recording by Eva Cassidy

Amazing Grace; as requested by Joanna and performed by Lissa Hattersly, Sweet Mary on violin; congregation joining in song

As; written and recorded by Stevie Wonder; congregation joining in singing, clapping, dancing!

Give Me Love; written and recorded by George Harrison; congregation joining in singing,  dancing!

Starry Blue Eyed Wonder written and recorded by Icicle Works, congregation joining in singing,  dancing!

Eva Cassidyâ€™s voice; â€œSongbirdâ€ CD, lilted during visitation on Friday evening and throughout the chapel as family and friends gathered on Saturday for Joannaâ€™s farewell service.

A Bagpiper played outside in the parking lot of the chapel welcoming Joannaâ€™s family and friends as they arrived.

The Bagpiper played Amazing Grace at the cemetery; slowly walking away with the beautiful music gently fading in the distance...




Dear AnnaRae, Andy and Harrison
We returned from holiday last night and were stunned to receive the sad news from Janet of Joanna's passing away.  It is so difficult to express adequately our thoughts to you guys at the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister.

So many happy memories from the Xmas we spent with you, always playing Uno with Joanna and half eating the carrots she left out for Santa.

With much love

Mike and Liz
Bristol UK



For Joanna

Who can tell me if we have heaven, 
who can say the way it should be; 
Moonlight holly, the Sappho Comet, 
Angel's tears below a tree. 

You talk of the break of morning 
as you view the new aurora, 
Cloud in crimson, the key of heaven, 
one love carved in acajou. 

One told me of China Roses, 
One a Thousand nights and one night, 
Earth's last picture, the end of evening: 
hue of indigo and blue. 

A new moon leads me to 
woods of dreams and I follow. 
A new world waits for me; 
my dream, my way. 

I know that if I have heaven 
there is nothing to desire. 
Rain and river, a world of wonder 
may be paradise to me. 

I see the sun. 
I see the stars.

                                   Enya



Anna Rae, I remember meeting Joanna in Denver. She was so beautiful and vivacious, gregarious and just so gracious. I wish I could turn around what has been done . . . we will miss her on this Earth. 

Tonight you will have a circle of women who love you,  surrounding you, tending to you and Joanna, as you say Aloha to one another. We will annoint your hearts to weather the journey across a watery world, and we will love and whisper to you with compassion as you weep. Your daughter Joanna  and you have a bond that will endure all time, and that bond Is Sanctified..  Joanna will reside in the light now, and she will understand it all, while we will honor the darkness with you and never let you be alone, Mo Anam Cara.

~Cynthia. 
. 



It is impossible to convey in a few sentences how I feel about losing Joanna.   Memories wander erratically through my mind - some fleeing by so quickly it is difficult to catch them, others more insistent â€“ like for some reason the Wii Monopoly competition that Christmas if you remember Harrison â€¦.  

Memories are so important to us and I particularly  like this verse.   

â€œA woman lives for as long as we carry her inside us,
For as long as we carry the harvest of her dreams,
For as long as we ourselves live
Holding memories in common, a woman lives.â€

I will cherish my memories of Joanna, of the fun and laughter, the mischief and caring, and of  the thoughtful and serious side too.  

We will talk about her amongst ourselves and so keep her with us in spirit  ... 

For Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison â™¥â™¥â™¥ 




Joanna was our first grand-child, which means she is very special to us. We have watched her grow from an affectionate eight year old to a lovely young woman and it is with immense sadness that we have to say goodbye to her at such a tender age. We love you Joanna. 

Janet & John  
xxx



Dear Anna, Andy and Harrison,

We were so very, very sorry to hear about Joanna.  We can't imagine the sadness you must be feeling.  Neither of us knew Joanna very well but we both still remember when she was born and all the excitement surrounding her birth.  She seemed to be such an independent, compassionate, beautiful young woman.  We know how much you cared for and nurtured her.  When we see her picture, she is practically a clone of you, Anna.  It is just amazing.  We are profoundly sorry for your loss.

Gay & Charles





Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,
Norm & I are so heartbroken to hear about your daughter, and Harrison's big sister.  Very tragic to lose a soul so young.  We are here for you anytime.

I remember meeting Joanna and her then-boyfriend quite a few years ago when Anna Rae and I were out on a prowl.  She was a beautiful, bright, and spirited little fire-cracker, JUST like her mom, and you KNOW she still is UP there. 

I don't know who said this, but it's one I haven't forgotten: 
"Nothing is ever lost, it is just transformed".

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Anna Rae.  We love you,
Cat & Norm




Although we weren't blood relatives I considered Joanna to be my niece. I was proud of her and loved introducing her to my friends in England. But she wasn't just my niece, she was also my friend. Going back to when we first met. We grew up together. Had the chance to share stories and experiences of our lives in different countries. I always looked forward to seeing Joanna because she was so much fun to be around. Her laugh was infectuous and whatever activity was planned she always seemed to make the most of it. I admired her ability to just let go and be herself all the time. The last time I spoke to her I was aware she was struggling with money but she was far more interested in talking about my life and the positive things in her life rather than the negatives. I still can't believe I'll never get the chance to sit down, have a beer and a chat with Joanna. She was one of my very favourite people to spend time with and I'll miss her terribly. My heart goes out to Anna Rae, my brother Andy and my nephew Harrison. They have lost something truly special from their lives but they should take solace in the thought that Joanna lives on in the memories of so many people whose lives have been touched by her joyful personality. 



Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,

We are heartbroken to hear of your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 



Anna Rae, my prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.  



Anna Rae, Andy  & Harrison,

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers and please know that you are surrounded by people that love you. 

Lin and Bruce





We share in your pain and sorrow as friends.  We cannot know how you feel, but we know we love you all and we are here for you in any way you need.  Our hearts are broken with yours.  Life is so fragile and precious.  Joanna will live on in our hearts and minds, and we will be at the Memorial with our sandals on in her remembrance.  May this scripture give you some comfort:
   "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have tribulation.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."    John 16:33



Joanna brought happiness and joy to all our hearts! Anna Rae, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hank



...a day angels wept

Long thick curly locks
Laughing eyes
Smile that would light up the darkest room
Precious hands and feet

Did you every know what a really beautiful person you were?

Gone, but never to be forgotten.
Broken hearts to be healed by the memories you leave us with.

and now...Harrison has his own Sweet Blue-eyed Angel to watch over him. 

I loved you JoAnna

 






  Dearest Annarae, Andy and Harrison,
       Words seem inadequate to express the sadness that we, your friends,all feel about Joanna. Her  essence of youthful independence  and the vision of a beautiful young woman with wild crocheted hair will remain in our memories. Bless you. 
         With thoughts of peace and courage, 
          Love ya ,  Brenda
 



Dear Anna Rae and family, 
If I had met her on the street I would have known who she was!  She reflects you in her smile and her eyes!  Children are God's most precious gift and I know that you always treasured what God has provided!  For that you should have no regrets - only fond memories and the hope that once again you will smile upon that beautiful face!  

May God comfort you and allow those that meet your greatest needs to appear!  

Maribeth 




Dear Anna and all,

I am so sad to see this in this morning's paper.  It has been a long time since the Bryker Woods days Camp Fire days.  Joanna was always full of life and enthusiasm.  I've passed this on to Joan and the others.

Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Love,

Mina



I have a picture of Joanna that was taken when she was a toddler.  Anna had her dressed in a little 1950's looking coat and bonnet.  I really can't believe that she is gone.   She was a beautiful and very sweet young woman.  She will be missed.



Anna Rae OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TAKE CARE  ..... ROSE AND ROBERTO RUBIO 



Anna Rae, you and your family are in my prayers during this time.  I am so very sorry for your loss.



Anna Rae:  I am so very sorry that Joanna has left this earth much too soon.  I remember the many talks we had about Joanna, and your immense love and dedication to her was always evident.  You shared a special bond with Joanna that will transcend her physical presence.

"When those we love go away, they never really leave us;
they are with us now, wherever we are.
Those whom we have cherished, live on forever,
for love wraps itself around the heart.
Although it's difficult now, 
someday beyond our tears and all the world's wrongs;
beyond the clouds and all that we can see and touch,
we shall all understand."

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Andy and Harrison.





Anne Rae,
I want you to know that you are in my prayers.  My God's strength hold you, His grace sustain you and His eternal Love carry you through this difficult time.



Its difficult to know what to say, but i want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.



Dearest Anna we are so sorry for you and your family. I never knew her but she was the image of you.  God bless and keep you all in this terrible time. Our prayers are with you...



I adore you all, and know you will continue to enhance everything and everyone you touch, just as you always have, and as Joanna did.  Her memory will continue to as well.  Please take care of yourselves in this difficult time,  Our hearts beat strong, broken as it may be at times.  Sadly, we are occasionally reminded that life hangs by a precious thread, all the more reason to embrace what we have.  



I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.



My heart just breaks for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies, prayers and thoughts are with all of you, now and in the upcoming months ahead. May God comfort and console you & your family.

God Bless - Irma




Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Take Care.



Anna Rae and Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  Please accept my heartfelt sympathy as you go through this trying time.
Anna, look up.  "Weeping may endure for a night", but remember, "joy comes in the morning".
Take care,
Billie Ray 



Dearest Joanna,
The first time I saw you I was struck by your beauty and grace. You seemed to float across the ground in a flowing dress, your beautiful curls were wild and free. When I met you face to face, I could see the light shining from within, I could see you had the same spirit and joy I so love in Anna Rae. I feel lucky to have known you and am at a loss to make sense of your passing. You will be terribly missed and forever loved.

Anna Rae, Andy, Harrison, 
Nothing can convey the sadness and compassion I feel for you all. I see the hurt and I just want to wash it all away. Above all others, you are dear to me. I am prepared to do anything I can to try and ease the pain, I love you all.

Mary

 



  Anna...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...my heart hurts for you.



Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,
"Now go walk in Heaven, Blue-eyed Angel". These words from Harrison are forever etched into my heart.  May your love for each other, Joanna and from all friends and family keep you afloat in this sorrowful time. 
Love Barbara and Lucien 



May you find peace and comfort in the Lord.  Anna Rae thinking of you and your family.



I'm so sorry.  Praying the love of family and friends will bring you COMFORT as you all make this journey.  Praying the love of Christ will bring you PEACE in the
days, weeks and months ahead.  

A warm embrace,

Brenda



I Love you Anna Rae and I am proud to have You and your Children and Brothers and Sisters as part of our family.
I am sorry that I never met Joanna.  I will meet her in Heaven.  Until then...I will look to her as our Angel.



Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison
Our thoughts are with you always.

Arm in arm they ascended together,
the steps on the other side,
to the crowd of familiar faces,
to welcoming kisses and hugs,
to meadows of flowers and birdsong,
resplendent in heavenly dawn.




Dearest Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,

My heart goes out to you during this time of darkness.  Although I never met Joanna, I'm sure that she was much like Anna Rae --  more comfortable laughing than crying.  I hope that your grief will pass soon and that you can laugh when you think of her. 

Anna Rae, you have my number if you ever need to talk.  Hugs to you, Andy, and Harrison. 



The death of a child is a sorrowful thing. Its grief cannot be consoled. There is no explaining it. There is no comprehending it. There is almost no accepting it. But accept it we must, and move on, for that is the nature of life. And we, the living, are still in the middle of life. The dead wait for us at the end.

When I am confounded by the vagaries of life, I turn to a book that I try to read once annually. It is a simple tale of a year in the life of a man and his donkey, Platero. In its pages I often find solace and understanding. For Joanna, I believe this short passage is appropriate:


The Flower by the Wayside

How pure, Platero, and how beautiful is this flower by the wayside. All the throng pass by her side--bulls, goats, colts, men--while she, so tender and so frail, stands erect, mauve and delicate, in her solitary plot, uncontaminated by any impurity.

Each day, when we mount the slope and take the shortcut, you have seen her in her green spot. She now has by her side a tiny bird, that rises--why?--as we approach, or she is filled, like a small cup, with the clear water of a summer cloud; she now allows a bee to steal from her or allows herself the flimsy ornament of a butterfly.

This flower will live but a few days, Platero, but her memory will remain forever. Her life will be like a day in your spring, like a springtime in my life. Oh! What would I not give to autumn, Platero, in exchange for this divine flower, so that she could be, daily, the simple and endless example of our lives!
			-from Platero and I, by Juan Ramon Jimenez


To Anna Rae, Andy, and Harrison, our heartfelt sympathies.

Donald Skrabanek



Dear Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison, Memories are worth the sadness of remembering, you will always have Joanna in your hearts.  Deepest condolences on your loss of Joanna.  
 -Theresa Ng



Even though I didn't know Joanna personally, I know the beauty, love, compassion and joy that have been given to so many by this family.  My heartfelt condolences, love and prayers are with all of you during this time.  I hope that you find comfort in knowing that Joanna is peacefully with our Lord, protected, safe and pain free.  Find joy in her memory and peace in the knowledge of her place with God.  While we cannot be there physically with you at this time, my family and I are with you in heart, spirit, love and prayer.

Kay Willson



Anna Rae & Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of sadness and loss.  She will always be "Forever Young".  She is in great hands with the Lord, today and always.



May God give you strength to help you through this difficult time.  You are in our prayers.



Some friends are forever. Theyâ€™re always a part of your dreams of the future; you see yourself meeting up even in old age and laughing at all the things youâ€™d done together, and no matter how long itâ€™s been you always pick up right where you left off. Itâ€™s because you can have such a real connection with someone that they touch your soul. Thereâ€™s no superficiality, no fakeness, no one to impress. You can be yourself and know they love you, and you can see someone for who they really are and love them for all of it.  Joanna, was such a friend to me. 

One of the most memorable times I had with Joanna was a Spring Break road trip we took in high school to South Padre, just us two.  We had a rental car full of stuff and a cheap little motel far far far from any beach.  When we made it to Padre we realized we wern't really the type for crowds, so we went down to this one end with these big sand dunes and not a soul in sight.  We spent the better part of a day there roaming the dunes tanning in our retro bikinis.  Later on we ventured into Mexico... 

I'm sure I met Joanna in Anderson High School at some time, but in even my earliest memory we were already best friends.  I wish I could remember now whatever first conversation we had that made us so close.  We were our own "click."  We had our own fad, and we had/have so much in common.  Love of classic mustangs, and classic rock, love of plants and animals.  We both transfered to McCallum the same year and ate lunch together every day in the same little park off campus.  Joanna was a selfless person in many ways, she thought of others first often, she poured attention into people plants and animals.  She will be missed!



My heart is broken, my love and 
prayers are with you all. I to lost 
a child in 2002, Joanna now has 
a place with the lord. I'm here for 
You Anna, you have my number
please use it. May god bless you 
in this tring time. 
All my love:
Ross Lehman 






My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  May God bless you and keep you in His care.



     I'm still in shock that Joanna is no longer with us; she's our angel now. If only words could help your pain, I'd know  what to say.  She will be missed by many, many people,  treasure precious memories. Let me know if I can do anything for you. Love, Terry



You were always the quiet one when we were joking around.  Your smile let us know you were happy.  When I met you, I knew that we would stay friends forever.  I miss you Jojo, we had reconnected and all of a sudden you were gone. I cried and prayed for you until I fell asleep.  If I close my eyes, I see your smile first then the rest of your face appears. You will forever be in my heart....  My condolences to all the family.

     





I have known Joanna nearly all her life and remember best her sweetness and killer smile. Like her mom, Joanna had a way of just lighting up when she was happy. Lit from within. May you dance with the angels, sweet girl. We will always remember you. 

Much love,
Joni Carpenter and family (Kenny, Jesse, and Sierra)



Dearest Anna Rae, Andy and Harrison,

I have just learned of your loss and my heart aches for you all. Anna Rae, I love you and am wrapping you in prayer and hugs.  I am committed to helping in any way. Please be good to yourselves in the tender days to come.

Dearest Joanna,
I didn't have the privilege of meeting you, but I certainly see alot of your mom in that beautiful face! Rest well and know you will never be forgotten.



Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!



To the Gilder and Cowan family, my heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. My sincerest of condolences to your family. May your sorrow be replaced with the happiest of memories of Joanna. 
Loving thoughts and prayers, Candi Wilson


OBITUARY

Joanna Claudine Cowan

February 14, 1983 – July 30, 2010

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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