Mrs. JoAnne Aunt Jo V. Vicknair Sanchez

To Mrs. JoAnne V. Sanchez, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For JoAnne, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. JoAnne really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      JoAnne was born on February 25, 1936 at home in Ponchatoula, La. Her parents were Norman Vicknair and Annez "Neet" Vicknair- Arnold. JoAnne was raised in French Settlement, La. Even as a child, JoAnne had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, JoAnne was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, JoAnne managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. JoAnne was raised with three siblings. She had two younger brothers, Jerome and Norman Vicknair, and a younger sister, Shirley Bourque.

      All of JoAnne's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, JoAnne experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in high school basketball for 3 yrs. She played forward on the team. In her spare time she liked reading, and playing games.

      Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that JoAnne was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, JoAnne simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for JoAnne, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was JoAnne's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” JoAnne graduated from French Settlement High School in 1954. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Hood. She graduated first in her class (Valedictorian).

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made JoAnn very easy to approach. On September 3, 1955 JoAnne exchanged wedding vows with J. C. Sanchez at St. Joseph Catholic Church of French Settlement, La. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason JoAnne related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. JoAnne was blessed with two children, one son, Marty J. Sanchez, DVM, and one daughter, Lynn Ann Sanchez. JoAnne had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. JoAnne's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, JoAnne had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, JoAnne was a real “people person. ” she had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. JoAnne liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, JoAnne was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. JoAnne's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see JoAnne as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was banking and bookkeeping. She was employed for 25 yrs. at Tri Con Steam Ship Agency Inc.

      JoAnne enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, JoAnne liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were traveling, reading, and shopping. JoAnne was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      JoAnne felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn’t the best, JoAnne loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. JoAnne relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and she would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, JoAnne never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, JoAnne played 3 yrs of basketball. JoAnn was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Dancing with the Stars.

      JoAnne had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, JoAnne's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, JoAnne was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, JoAnne recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member St. Joseph for 19 yrs, St. Theresa for 18 Yrs, and St. Mark for 36 yrs. During that time, she was 11 yrs. Chapel Adoration in chapel for one hour per week. Member of Gonzales Laureate Psi Chapter. Offices held included President, Treasurer, and Recording & Corresponding Secretary.

      Naturally outgoing and generous, JoAnne was regularly doing things for others. For her, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, JoAnne was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Order of the Rose, Silver Circle, Woman of the Year, Sweetheart Award for numerous times. Also she had a perfect attendance in her chapter for 31 yrs.

      Living life in the fast lane suited JoAnne just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included Branson, MO. And Gatlinburg, TN.

      JoAnne believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in July 1, 2007, JoAnne took it in stride as one more way to have fun. Her new life involved relocating to 42427 Hwy 621. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, JoAnne remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in cooking, shopping, housekeeping, and traveling. Even in retirement, JoAnne continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

      JoAnne passed away on September 21, 2009 at St. Joseph Carpenter House, in Baton Rouge, La. JoAnne fought a brave battle against lung & liver cancer. She is survived by her children Marty Sanchez and Lynn Sanchez, and husband J. C. Sanchez. Services were held at St. Mark Catholic Church, in Gonzales, La. JoAnne was laid to rest at Hope Haven Masuleom on Hwy 30, in Gonzales, La.

      JoAnne brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Mrs. JoAnne V. Sanchez lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.