Joan Margaret Tamez

Dr. Joan Margaret Tamez, known fondly to many as Dr. Joan Margaret Winandy, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024. Born on March 12, 1933, in Evanston, Illinois, at St. Francis Hospital, Joan lived a life marked by compassion, strength, and dedication.

Joan's early education began at St. Gertrude and St. Gregory Elementary Schools and continued at St. Gregory High School in Chicago. She pursued higher education at The College of St. Teresa, graduating early in 1955, and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, in 1958, one of five women out of about 150 graduates. Joan completed her internship and surgical residency at St. Francis Hospital, laying the foundation for a distinguished career as a physician and radiologist in Illinois and Texas.

Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie Tamez; her brother Charles Winandy; her sister Mary Catherine Winandy; and her parents Charles and Marguerite Winandy. She is survived by her devoted sisters, Jean Evinger and Anne Schaefer, and her five cherished children: Daniel Tamez (spouse Perry Tamez), Diane Autry (spouse Bobby Autry), Adam Tamez (partner Heather Shewmake), Dr. Joseph Tamez (spouse Susan Tamez), and Captain John Paul Tamez (spouse Melinda Dang).

Joan was a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren: Benjamin Manno, Joseph Manno, Emily Autry, Shelly Tamez, Lieutenant Ronin Tamez, Simon Tamez, Luc Tamez, and Specialist Rafael Tamez. She also enjoyed the presence of three great-grandchildren: Isabel, Charlotte, and Francesca Manno. And let us not forget her pushy cat, who was a constant companion.

Professionally, Joan made significant contributions working at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Hospital, Garland Community Hospital, and the Spiegel Clinic. Her dedication extended beyond her work; she was an active member of St. Cecilia, Good Shepherd, and St. Patrick parishes.

Joan's life was a testament to her values of family, education, and generosity. She was known for her indomitable spirit, never allowing physical limitations to hinder her pursuits. An avid traveler, Joan loved exploring new places, often by car, and embraced life with vigor. Her kindness extended to many, as she took great care to ensure that those around her, especially the elderly in her community, were never alone and always had companionship.

Her family fondly remembers the joy, the rapier wit, and laughter she brought into their lives, often sharing stories of lively gatherings and international friendships formed through her career. Joan's legacy is one of compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved and served.

A celebration of her life will be held at Sparkman-Crane in East Dallas.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joan's memory to: Sisters of St. Francis, 1001 14th St. NW Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901, ph: (507)-282-7441, https://rochesterfranciscan.org/donate/ (Please select the Sister Care Fund)