Joan Frances Lardelli-Haedrich

Joan was born in Norfolk, Virginia on March 13, 1943, the second of six children of the late Clarence and Frances Woodard. She graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School, class of 1961 and from there she attended Longwood College and John Robert Powers Modeling School.

Joan had a beautiful singing voice and for many years sang with a group of talented individuals who performed for the armed forces and different venues around the Norfolk area. She worked for the Virginian Pilot newspaper and her picture was selected for a full-page ad for the newspaper. Joan wrote poetry, painted and was well known for her thought-provoking quips. She was a very well-versed, cultured, beautiful, funny, intelligent, unique, and unforgettable woman of faith.

In 1966 she moved to California and began a forty-year career as a flight attendant for the airlines. First Pacific, then Hughes Airwest, Bonanza, Republic and lastly Northwest from which she retired. Her job took her all over the world, but the Orient was her favorite destination, always bringing back treasures for her friends and loved ones. She never once came home without a gift for someone. With her position at the airlines, she lived in several different states: California, Nevada, Georgia then Tennessee. She finally found her home ministry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, planted roots there for many years and she sang in the choir faithfully every Sunday when she was home.

Her job landed her back in Memphis in 1997 where she became very involved with her congregation, B’rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue where she was a member for over 20 years. Once she retired from the airlines, she volunteered with Delta Airlines until she lost her eyesight in 2014.

Joan was an avid animal lover, saving countless lives over the years and in return giving her years of companionship. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, but her greatest love of all was her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved Him fiercely and she wanted everyone else to love him and know him as well. Everywhere she went she spread His word and her job allowed her to do so all over the globe. From the grocery store to third world countries she was always talking about her Savior.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Haedrich and her beautiful grandson, Turner Maddox.

She is survived by her forever grateful daughter, Anne Haedrich, two grandchildren Henry Robert and Regan Maddox, known only as “Maddie” to Mimi as they had a very special bond; five siblings: Carol Boston (Jim), Constance Sturdevant (Bill), Bernadette Crick (Noel), Steve Woodard (Susan) and Paul Woodard. She also leaves behind nine nieces and nephews and twelve grand nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Joanie always had her family in her prayers.

And last, but not least her last remaining fur baby, Champ who never left her side at the end. Her grandson, Henry has promised to take care of him for his Mimi.

Matthew 25:23 Her Lord said to her, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

We would like to thank AseraCare and Crossroads Hospice for all their help through the last year, with a special thank you to Joan’s Crossroad CNA, Gerri Guy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society in honor of Joan Haedrich or any organization of your choosing in honor of Joan.

Services will be at B’rit Hadasha. 6320 N. Quail Hollow Road, Memphis, Tennessee, 38120 on Saturday, February 10th beginning at five o'clock in the evening with dinner to follow. Those unable to attend may view the service via https://www.brithadasha.org/2024/02/05/remembering-joan/.