"Dear Ralph, Chris & Nicki, We were so stunned and saddened to read the beautiful story about Joy in this morning’s Sunday paper. We have so many wonderful memories of all of you from our marriage prep sessions at Ron & Jan’s, to our fun REACH get togethers. We still remember the night you came up with the REACH name Ralph. We also remember everyone’s excitement when Chris was the first REACH baby to be born, then beautiful Nicki came along. We send our heartfelt sympathy and many hugs as we picture Joy soaring, pain- free amidst the angels and saints. With love to you all, Terry &, Kathy and Family"
In loving memory of
Joy Marie Piemonte
Piemonte, Joy Marie 53, was surrounded by her friends and family as she died peacefully on August 12, 2009 after a more than two year battle with ovarian cancer. Joy-who always lived up to her beautiful name- was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 20, 1956, the youngest of eight children to William and Hazel Van Liew. She graduated from Edison High School in 1974, and in 1979 she moved to Arizona with her brother Bill and his family. Not long after the move, she met her husband, Ralph. They had two children, Chris, 26, and Nicki, 23. After ten years at home with her kids, Joy decided to go back to school. She graduated with a degree in nursing and worked as an RN and case manager at various hospitals in the Valley. She was a dedicated nurse, and served her patients with a gentle spirit and selfless attitude. Unfortunately, Joy had to leave her nursing career in May 2007 when she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She valiantly fought her illness and even experienced six wonderful months of remission, in which she spent time traveling to visit friends and family. When the cancer returned in May of 2008, Joy yet again took the news in stride, ever faithful and always seeking ways to love those around her. Anyone who has come in contact with Joy would agree that she lived her life in such a way that you could not help but feel God’s love. Although a part of us all was taken with her, we are happy to see Joy go to be with our Lord where she will finally be whole. Joy is survived by her husband, Ralph; her son, Chris; her daughter, Nicki, and her son-in-law, Rane; her mother-in-law, Rosemarie; her sister, Lenore Burdick; her sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Phil Lenkevich; her brother Harry Van Liew, her sister and brother-in-law Rosemary and Wayne Cassels; and her sister-in-law Karen Holt and her family. She is also survived by her brand new in-laws, the Beal family. A celebration of her life will be held this Saturday, August 15 at Calvary Community Church (I-17 and Cactus) at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona (http://ocaz.org/Donate.html).