In loving memory of

Joanne Sherwood
August 11, 1941 - July 22, 2020

At 78 years young, Joanne Sherwood was taken from her adoring family on July 22, 2020. She bravely fought heart disease, COPD, cancer, congestive heart failure, and a spinal virus to stay with and guide her children. In the end, God had better plans for our dear Mother and Grandmother.

Joanne was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 11, 1941. She spent time growing up in Detroit, Chicago, and Lake Worth, Florida. Later in life, she lived in Jacksonville, Florida, Tennessee, Washington DC and, for the last 10 years, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

She was a Licensed Practical Nurse who worked both in the ER and with the elderly.

Joanne was gregarious, outgoing and a friend to all. She was a devoted Mom and Grandma, and loved being around family and friends. She will be missed.

Joanne is survived by her sons Allen Boucher and Marc Sherwood, her daughter Theresa Kelety, granddaughter Jessica Boucher, sons-in-law Edmund Kelety and William McNish, and her daughter-in-law Kimberly J. Boucher. She was predeceased by her darling daughter, Kimberly McNish, her dear Cousin, Mary Louise, and her parents, Jules Broucke and Bertha Van der Hoeven. She joins them now in Heaven, and we hope they are having a celebration.

A funeral service celebrating Joanne's life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Maria Goretti Church, 6261 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85250. Following the funeral service, she will be laid to rest at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park and Cemetery.

Tributes

Theresa K. Kelety wrote on Aug 11, 2021:

"Happy 80th Birthday Mom. Love, Theresa and Family"

Tracey Geary wrote on Aug 13, 2020:

"Dear Joanne. You\'ve always had a place in my heart and always will. The first time I met you decades ago, I immediately saw Theresa\'s and Kimberly\'s smile and beautiful eyes reflecting back. Then you hugged me as if you\'d known me from long before. And that\'s all it took for me to realize the love, selflessness, strength, intelligence, humor, and kindness that you gifted to your daughters. For that, I am grateful. The last time I saw you, we hugged and shared tears. And when I thought I was comforting you--you ended up comforting me. For that, I am thankful, and I will always cherish these memories that the stars and heaven have gifted to me. Tracey Geary "

David Naumowicz wrote on Aug 12, 2020:

"Another angel in Heaven. I can picture her looking down now and gossiping with my mother. Aunt Joanne was an amazing, caring woman - the world is a sadder place without her. "

Sheila and John Romeiko wrote on Aug 11, 2020:

"Joanne and I shared an interest in and a love for genealogy. That, late in life, is what brought us together. We discovered that we were related as second cousins.That day is one of the best days in my memory as I was privileged to get to know Joanne as the most positive, kind, giving, understanding and loving person that I had ever met. We will miss her laughter, sense of humour and also her stories! Our family is so grateful to have had you in our lives, dear Joanne. You are a treasure. To precious Jessie, Theresa, Allen, Marc and their families , we extend our most heartfelt sympathy. Sheila and John Romeiko "

Penny Valavanis wrote on Aug 10, 2020:

"Dear Theresa, Jessie and family. Your mother/grandmother was so special to all of us who were living at Woodlake. Her door was open to us at any time. I have sweet memories of Jessie?s 5th birthday; her invitation for us to come upstairs one night to meet her family. Precious. I pray the good Lord is with you during your time grief. We will miss her. Penny Valavanis"

Theresa Kelety wrote on Aug 8, 2020:

"A bit at sea, bereft, is me. Mother is the center, Of every child?s universe And so it is, with the child in me. So long ago I sat, Behind a plump chair in the living room, Feeling warmth from the heater, dry air blowing, On a bitter cold day in Michigan. She coaxed me out, for tea and sugar. And loving warmth. Later then She and me, Took on the World. We stared down disappointments and trials, With our will. She was a Lioness. She made me proud. I perceive her now, in the new Adventure. Strong and young again. Curly black hair wafting, in a soft ocean breeze. Full of vinegar and hope. Loving life ? all that it is ? and every minute of it. She?s with my Sister. No more illness, no more pain; No more encumbrances. They are laughing, Countering my tears, in God?s great universe. A bit at sea, bereft, is me. But a strong flame resides in me. It cannot be extinguished. She put it there. And so it is, with the grown-up in me. "

Anonymous wrote on Aug 6, 2020:

"Her sense of humor and love of laughter was only matched by her devotion to her children and grandchild. So many good times and hard times and always a smile to remember them by. The world will miss her. Prayers for the whole family and may she rest in peace....."

VETA MRUS wrote on Aug 5, 2020:

"JO ANN WAS MY VERY CLOSEST FRIEND LIKE A SISTER. SHE NEVER MET A STRANGER ALWAYS READY TO HELP ANYONE IN NEED EVEN AT HER OWN DISCOMFORT FROM HER BODY INJURIES SHE RECIEVED DURING HER LIFE I HOPE SHE IS SAVING A PLACE FOR ME. LOVE YOU OLD FRIEND VETA MRUS"

ANN LEDFORD wrote on Aug 3, 2020:

"Joanne was one of the most caring people I know. She had an infectious laugh and smile that would just make your day happier. So fortunate to have had her a part of my life. My sister,Mary, adored her and now they are together in heaven watching over us all. I will miss her so much."

Bill McNish wrote on Aug 2, 2020:

"It?s been many years since Joanne first welcomed me into her family. I will always be grateful to her for that gift, and feel lucky to have shared the time we did. We will never forget her warmth, her laugh, her strength during hard times, or her devotion to the family and friends she loved so much. Thank you, Joanne."

Bill & Carole Mc Nish wrote on Aug 2, 2020:

"Joanne Sherwood, She will always be remembered by her loving children. She gave them life, then much love. Her goodness extended beyond her children when our son Bill married her daughter Kimberly. She loved our Bill, as we loved her daughter. Memories of our time together are precious. Kimberly\'s graduation from Harvard Law was one of those events. Joanne was so proud of her. My Mom told me when I was a young boy : More than fame or fortune, she just wanted my sister and I to be good people, and good to each other. Joanne followed that example - -She was truly a good person. God Bless Joanne , and her family. May she rest in peace. Our heart felt sympathy goes out to her family, extended family, and friends. Love Bill & Carole Mc Nish Ansonia, CT."