"Too soon" says it all. Sarah, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your mother, your friend. She was beautiful in all ways. To your family I can only say that Joann lit many candles in her lifetime, and you burn still with her light. Those of us who were lucky enough to know her carry her light with us now in remembrance. Sarah: wherever life leads you, I will be here at the library. When I see you, i know that that we will cry together, such is my sorrow. Take care and much love to you and your family. Mary

There are few words to say. Joann was taken too soon, too suddenly, too far away from her home here. Her son and daughters are all too young in adulthood to have to face the loss of their mother.

We can feel anger and frustration with God, the universe. My own view is that God is on our side with this one. God suffers the loss we are feeling. I am not one who thinks God willed this or made it happen.

Joann's life was a continuum of good deeds to help others. She never called attention to it.

As Katie commented, it fueled her. Her faith was lived out in how she treated people.

Joann showed her love and faith in actions.

Joann took in her children's friends when they needed a home and food and another mother.

Joann possessed openness and tolerance and willingness to understand what may be different.

Joann was a person you could count on. She was an anchor for so many, many friends and family.

Joann's sense of humor and her ready smile were wonderful.

She conveyed acceptance and empathy without having to always use words. She created an atmosphere or zone where people felt safe and cared for.

Joann always found a way to take the problems that came her way and make it something she could make work. She gave other people a sense of confidence and security. She lived to make the word a place of justice, peace, goodness.

Joann had a wisdom. It was as if she knew something that the rest of us

didn't. The expression on her face was like the face of those owls she collected. She had an innate wisdom about life and this world. It was also as if she knew everything would be okay somehow.

St Paul said: Eye has not seen, eye has not heard, nor has entered into the mind of people, what God has in store

And now she experiences that to the fullness, with her son Brett, with her parents Pauline and Harold

I am in shock and so saddened by the news of Joann passing away. I got an email from her just before her surgery asking for prayers. She has been so heavy in my thoughts and prayers since then, but I never expected this. Joann and Sarah came to St. Augustine to visit the winter before last and we had such a good time. I have such admiration and respect for her courage and sense of adventure. She was an amazing woman. If there is anything I can do to help please don't hesitate to ask. Joann will be missed by all of us who have been blessed to know her, but she will never be forgotten.

My sincere condolances to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

No words

Just TEARS

So many memories

Hugs to Sarah and the all of her family

June

My condolences to the family. I worked with Joann at Hospital school.

So many times I would come over to hang out with you kids and your mom would be making dinner with Bret. She would always offer me a plate! She always asked how I was doing and genuinely cared. I cant thank her enough for being an awesome Mom to you kids and helping your friends to be good people too! She will be dearly missed, and I hope that her and my Mom are hanging out with Bret right now!

I worked with your mom at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids in the ER. We were a great team and had some good times. I know how strong she was and how much she cared about all of you! You have my deepest sympathy.

I was fortunate to work with Joann on the Big Brothers Big Sisters board. Her humor, insights and genuine interest in the needs of children contributed to the success of the organization, not to mention her myriad achievements as a nurse. More than that she was a good, good mom.

To the Bender family,

Sara sorry I won't be able to make it to your moms funeral. I got married and I am living in Virginia.I thought the world of your mother.She was one great lady.i wanted you guys to know she will be missed,and I will have everyone in my thoughts and prayers.Sara if you want to be Facebook friends I am under Helen Stone, I didn't change it when I got married.take care and God Bless.,God will give you the strength. Love you

I am Helen that worked at hospital school

Always looked forward to working with you at Hospital Schools. A fun, smart, elegant, "nothing could phase you" kind of gal. Your sense of humor and challenging demeanor were so special. I will keep you in my thoughts and wish the deepest sympathy for your family. I remember working with Sarah at Hospital Schools as a teacher. What would you like me to give a donation to. You will be missed. Dee Linquist. B6rh.

Dear Scott, Sarah, & Kathleen and Pat, Tom, & Jim and families -

I knew Joann through the Brain Injury Alliance and Combined Efforts Theatre. Her sense of humor and kindness are what I will continue to remember and cherish. She was supportive, sensitive and sensible. My condolences and love to her family, especially Sarah.

For several years we appreciated Joann as a pleasant, kind and helpful professional colleague at U Hospital School. Recently we could look forward to sharing memories and family news at Combined Efforts Theatre. She was very devoted to her children and a reliable and helpful mom. We are so sorry about her passing, especially for Sarah.

To the Harger and Joann's family, I was so sorry to hear about Joann. It was so nice to see and visit with her and Patty at my mom's funeral 2 years ago. I am sorry that I can not be there personally to share the memories of Joann's life. Joann, Patty & Pauline were wonderful neighbors while I was growing up. They always welcomed me and my sisters. They taught us how to sew, clean, wash dishes, dance and so much more. My condolences. Barb (Domian) Reyering

I am so sorry to hear of Joann's passing. My dad used to love to tease her about her purple door and I visited with her at the library.

My thoughts are with her family

So sorry to hear of Joann's passing. I worked with her at Hospital School as well. I was a nursing student. She was an excellent nurse, very patient and kind. I also remember she had a wonderful sense of humor. I am glad to have known her.

You will always be remembered... - Hashi, Nandan, Madhumita, Arjun, Antara, Aneesha

I came to know Jo Ann through hospital school. She was a wonderful nurse and a great friend. She was so proud of her family. She was all about her family. so proud of all of them. I loved listening to her stories. She was a great story teller. She was so patient and understanding with the kids at hospital school. She taught me a lot and even when I thought I couldn't do something she would say " sure you can". And give me that confidence. She was a wonderful person to know and my prayers and thoughts are with all of her family at this time.

Thinking of ya'll. Love You and I'm here if you need anything, no matter what time it is.

So very sorry for her family and friends. She was a very nice lady and had a good heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved her....

My heart goes out to the entire family. Joann was an amazing woman. I'm so sorry.