To Cindy and Doug and family;

For my 25 years as a volunteer with Project GREEN, this incredibly inclusive, hard working, smart, generous woman co-chaired the trees, shrubs and vine booth with Marcia Shaffer and me.

Her handiwork of digging, potting and selling can still be seen throughout the city, county and beyond. Along with her friends who started Project GREEN, she was there in the beginning.

It was an honor to work alongside my friend, a woman 25 years my superior, who could work for hours and days on end.

She will be missed <3

~ Kasey

On behalf of the Piersel family, our deepest sympathies at the loss of your mom. Your mom was in our moms wedding. Our mom is DeeJay Piersel. Mom will turn 95 in June.

Cindy and Gary,

We were saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. What an amazing life and legacy! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Colleen & Wayne Hogan

Dear Cindy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a full and happy life she had! My sincere condolences. - Duff

I so enjoyed knowing Joan through our connections in Project Green. I always remember my dad delivering dirt to her (many years ago from Carl Chadek trucking) for the Project Green Plant potting. He told her he was off to Marilyn Gaffey's house; when she asked if he knew her, he just smiled and said, "Yes, all of her life!" He loved visiting with her. The last time I saw her was on a garden tour (of course). It was wonderful to remember some old times in P Green again. What a light she was to Iowa City, Project Green and us all!

Cindy, David and Doug --- What a treasure your Mom was! We loved the opportunities to catch up with Joan at different events over the years. She has been part of the fabric of our lives for many many years. We know she will be greatly missed by all and had a wonderful and important impact on her community. Take care of each other and know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Tim & Julie

Another member of the “Reservoir Bunch” is gone. Many, many memories of times there. Joanie was a strong, involved, giving woman to her friends and causes, but primarily, as the matriarch of the family. Her involvement with ProjectGreen (trees and shrubs?) was steady—a love shared by Cindy. And with Doug she shared the gardening/conservation love. David-I don’t recall her playing an instrument but you and Lu certainly shared her (and Larry’s) commitment to the Hawkeyes (all of you do!) Joanie was a force who shaped your family is many positive ways. She will be missed not only by you, but by the friends the family has collected along the way. Take good care.

-Jim Flitz and Suzanne Summerwill

Dear David, Doug, Cindy and Family. I am sad to hear the passing of your Mom Joan and wishing you God’s Peace and Love at this difficult time. When I moved Iowa City to go to school at the University of Iowa I started a part-time job at Frowein Office Supply, and I can truly say that doing that changed my life. Working in sales and management for the Parsons allowed me to meet many people in the Iowa City / Coralville and surrounding area. Both Larry and Joan were a huge part of that and I will never forget them and their friendship that we shared as we all were working together. It was truly one big family - again thank you and heartfelt prayers to all of you on the passing of Joan!

Dear Cindy: Losing your Mom is one of the hardest things in life. I'm so very sorry. Sincerely, Susan.

We were sure sorry to hear of your loss of your wonderful Mother.

May you treasure all your beautiful memories. Many blessings.

Bruce, Mary Schwab, and Family. xo

Cindy, and family, I am so sorry to read of your Mom/Grandma's passing. I got to know her when she would come in to get her hair done, by Dick. She loved her family and gardening and shared that love often! I know how much you all will miss her. She was a great person! Sending prayers and hugs!

Terry Ozzello

Dear Parsons family, In my house Joan Parsons was referred to as Joannie. My mother, Joyce Riecke Baldwin, was one of Joanie's close friends from high school. They remained lifelong friends until my mother died in July 2012. When Joanie came to my mom's funeral she arrived with an 8 x 10" black and white photo of the City High Girls Intramural Basketball team. Joanie and Joyce were both players. As she offered her tearful condolences she said about my mom, "I feel like I've lost a sister." I've met Joannie many times as I chauffeured my mom to lunches or BBQs with Joanie. Now, that Joanie is gone, I feel like I lost my mom all over again. Peace and prayers for your family and for the sweet soul of Joanie Frohwein Parsons.

Cindy, Dave and Doug,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was such a vibrant and strong woman....and a very dear friend to our mom. Joanie was a big part of our lives. From picnics in your back yard on Melrose Ave, to hosting wedding showers for us, to being there for us when our mom died, Joanie was always a good friend and guardian. She always brought a smile and positive energy to any visit or endeavor. One thing I do know....heaven is getting ready to have some serious bridge games!

Wishing you all the best.

Love,

Deb Meade-Erickson