Joni Marie Washington-Stahl

Joni Marie was the eldest of five children. She took her role as the eldest seriously, and paved the way in life for her younger siblings. A woman of many talents, Joni was brilliant and excelled at most tasks she took on. As a young girl, baking was a favorite past time. She made the BEST cakes from scratch, with her younger siblings at her feet, waiting to lick the spoon.

Joni Marie graduated from Far Rockaway High School in 1973, winning a full scholastic scholarship and attended New York University, as a pre-med student. Some years later, Joni Marie transferred to Polytechnic University to pursue a career in engineering, and studied Graphic Arts, Drawing, and Business Management at Montgomery College in Maryland where she was awarded with the Dean’s List four times, continuing her intense interaction with Women in Business and other advocacy groups for women and underserved communities. Joni was quite the humanitarian, dedicating her life to the service of young people and the elderly. She had tremendous impact on so many lives, even if it was just with her smile. Her training as a nurse enabled her with a sense of duty and advocacy for the needy, including her grandmother Elizabeth, who she cared for until her passing. Joni Marie spent many years tutoring students, who to this day praise her and thank her for the difference Joni made in their lives, especially making sense of math. Joni was a strong and courageous woman, and a talented artist who brought a creative touch to everything she did. She opened doors that were slammed in her face, and no never meant no, until Joni said so.

Joni is survived by her husband, Jeff, sisters Terri, Valerie and Cherylyn, and an abundance of nieces and nephews: Tiffani, Kymberlei, John, Cort, Devin, Britney, Travis, Ryan, Brhea, Ralph and Aleia, and Great nieces and nephews Tyler, Jaren, Jianna, Caden, Liam, Noah, Henry, Meli and Ada.

The world has lost a true gem. She will be dearly missed, but in our hearts and minds forever.