Joan Virginia Naomi Wood

Joan Virginia Naomi Wood, age 58, of Tucson Arizona, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Thomas Frances Senior and Helen Lee Wood on March 28, 1958.

Joanie is survived by her brothers, Thomas Francis, Ronald Frances, Michael Joseph and sisters, Nancy Wiggs and Brenda Lee. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, loving relatives and friends. In her later years, Joanie became engaged to her life partner, Wayne Pierce. This was a very proud moment for her.

Joanie was preceded in death by her father, Thomas, and brother, Timothy Allen.

The first child to be born to Helen and Thomas, Joanie developed a special bond with them. You could see in her parent’s eyes how proud they were of her. In the words of her Mother, “Joanie was a happy child”. “She always amazed me”, I learned from her”. “If I could have given her the world, I would have”. Joanie’s mother, along with other family members, was by her side on the day of her passing.

Joanie was a Christian and often attended Living Hope Family Church. She especially enjoyed the band.

She loved her cat “Thumper”, they were like friends. Thumper sensed that Joanie had physical challenges and came to Joanie at the right times, learning to go in and out of her apartment on his own.

Joanie was a passionate and sensitive person, who often thought of others. When ever asked how she was doing, her response was always “I’m fine” with a big smile on her face. Complaining and negatively were not her manner. She had many friends and all that knew her, spoke very highly of her.

Some of Joanie’s favorite things were the color purple and dolphins. She was a watch collector, a fan of the 49ers, enjoyed puzzles, going out for dinner and a movie. She loved her family, friends and fiancé.

Joanie was very loving, often expressing affection to her loved ones. Whenever a family member walked close to Joanie, she could not resist reaching out for them. Joanie would chuckle, because you were surely not going to get away. Because, at young age, she learned to scoot herself around with her left arm and she developed a very strong arm.

Joanie was known for her big, warm, smile, a smile that would light up the world. It was very rare to see Joanie without a smile on her beautiful face.

Please join the family on Saturday, April 30th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Hope Family Church located at 7333 E. 22nd Street to celebrate Joan's life.

Arrangements under the direction of Desert Rose Heather Cremation & Burial, Tucson, AZ.