Myers, Joanne Renee'

My dear sister, Joanne, you fought with all you had to get back to your art, your travels, and your legacy of making people happy, entertained, and connected. I know when the physical limitations started making those qualities impossible, you knew there were other realms to discover. You left us many worldly gifts … someday we will share what this next realm will bring. I will always love you and hope I can make you proud. Your little sister.

Virginia and girls, Sally and I are so sorry for your loss. We both lived near you in the grand old Meadowbrook neighborhood and spent many hours playing football in your yard. “Real” games that Joanne organized and played in with total abandon! I will always remember the dimples, dry wit, and passion. She was my art table partner in High School. Even though I tried to “copy off her paper,” I could never come close to her amazing artist gift. She will be missed.

Dear Joanne, I had the privilege to meet you through your beautiful mother Virginia and sisters at Belmont Village. I remember your smile, your kindness and the wonderful daughter you were. You are with the angels next to God now. Rest in peace dear Joanne. My love to your precious mother Virginia and your beautiful sisters.

My sincere sympathies to the Myers family, Joanne will be deeply missed.

Whenever I think of Joanne, I’m immediately reminded of laughter… that twinkle in her eye and the dimpled grin that always made you feel as though she was up to some kind of mischief and was going to make sure you were in it with her. In so many ways, she was the freest spirit I have ever known. She understood what it was to be an artist and sacrificed so much to stand in her truth. As she said to me after returning from Hong Kong, “…20 something years have passed before I realized I was really married to art!”. She loved her friends unconditionally and would have given them anything she had if they needed it. In our 47 year friendship, we never had a cross word. She always brought humor and joy, even when masking her own struggles. Joanne loved and missed Greg Connell until the end. They truly had a deep, cosmic bond that never lessened after his passing. She worshipped her father, Joseph, and spoke of him often. And she loved her family deeply. Through all of her life’s ups and downs, she always knew that her Mom and sisters were there to be her safe haven when she needed it most. It is so comforting to know that she is with her Dad and Greg now… catching up, telling tales and, undoubtedly, making them laugh!

My condolences to the Myers Family and to Joanne’s many, many friends. Joanne’s amazing paintings express a beautiful spirit. I know you will think of often and always with much love and wonderful memories.

Virginia and girls, I have such fun, fond memories of Joanne! Living just three houses away, as youngsters we raced on bikes, played baseball with Clint Crocket and Jimmy Stevens. Joanne and I spent the night in the Mulberry Tree treehouse in my backyard and got tummy aches from Twinkies and too much Coca Cola! She will be missed, but her legacy will endure.