Joan Meredith Long Mathews passed away February 11, 2003 in Chapel Hill, NC at age 56. Joan was born March 9, 1946 and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1964. She is survived by fellow 1964 LC classmate, Bill Mathews of North Carolina.
Joan and I followed each other to EWU and were married in June 1968 just before graduation. Joan majored in Speech Therapy and I was a Business Administration major. She and I were soul mates through our 34 years of marriage, including 32 years of Army service and the raising of two blessed daughters. While we trooped around the world on Army assignments, Joan made many friends, enjoyed golf and worked for several law firms and insurance agencies, through the years. Joan retired from the Office of Legal Council, Mobil/Exxon Corporation in the fall of 1999. We retired to our dream home in Durham, NC in late 1999. Here, Joan enjoyed golf, continuing her paralegal career, attending classic car shows and all Duke sports. After two years into our retirement, Joan was diagnosed with lung cancer, a separate and non-mutated disease from her earlier battle with breast cancer, 11 years prior. In the end, Joan was at peace with our God and told our pastor, during his final visit, that it was not "why me?" but "why not me?" since she had been blessed with such a wonderful life. That, indeed, was the theme of Pastor Joe Harvard's memorial service on Febuary 22, 2003 for our beloved Joan/Joanne/Joanie/JJ. Joan is also survived by our two daughters, Keirsten and Kimberly, and (now) 5 grandchildren. May she continue to rest in peace.
I was so saddened to read that Joanie had passed away - she was such a lovely friend to me. I remember on my 17th birthday, Joanie gave me a Beach Boys album as a gift. I was thrilled as they were my "favorite band".......so long ago. The last time I visited with Joanie, Kiersten was a wee one. She was so in love with that baby girl, she couldn't keep her eyes off her. My boys were 5 and 3, and were such brats that day, I left earlier than I had wanted to give calm back to the new mom. Thanks for letting us know about her. I had been thinking of her, wondering how she was doing.
Bill, I was so touched by your comments and tribute to your wife. I remember you two so well, and just though Joan was one of the "best"... she was such a great gal, and am so glad you two had such a nice life together.She was also one of the sweetest girls I knew. I am so very sorry you have lost your best friend. Just know her spirit is with you, even though her body is not.
I looked at your profile, and wanted to thank you for your military service, and look forward to seeing you again at the reunion. You two had quite an adventure together... you were both blessed to have each other... as childhood sweethearts. I know, I met my husband when I was 13, and when I moved to Spokane, we dated off and on through my high school years. We celebrate our 50th on July 18th, so I know what I speak about :-)
William Ernest Mathews
Joan and I followed each other to EWU and were married in June 1968 just before graduation. Joan majored in Speech Therapy and I was a Business Administration major. She and I were soul mates through our 34 years of marriage, including 32 years of Army service and the raising of two blessed daughters. While we trooped around the world on Army assignments, Joan made many friends, enjoyed golf and worked for several law firms and insurance agencies, through the years. Joan retired from the Office of Legal Council, Mobil/Exxon Corporation in the fall of 1999. We retired to our dream home in Durham, NC in late 1999. Here, Joan enjoyed golf, continuing her paralegal career, attending classic car shows and all Duke sports. After two years into our retirement, Joan was diagnosed with lung cancer, a separate and non-mutated disease from her earlier battle with breast cancer, 11 years prior. In the end, Joan was at peace with our God and told our pastor, during his final visit, that it was not "why me?" but "why not me?" since she had been blessed with such a wonderful life. That, indeed, was the theme of Pastor Joe Harvard's memorial service on Febuary 22, 2003 for our beloved Joan/Joanne/Joanie/JJ. Joan is also survived by our two daughters, Keirsten and Kimberly, and (now) 5 grandchildren. May she continue to rest in peace.
Laurel Ann Jones (Tarbert/White)
I was so saddened to read that Joanie had passed away - she was such a lovely friend to me. I remember on my 17th birthday, Joanie gave me a Beach Boys album as a gift. I was thrilled as they were my "favorite band".......so long ago. The last time I visited with Joanie, Kiersten was a wee one. She was so in love with that baby girl, she couldn't keep her eyes off her. My boys were 5 and 3, and were such brats that day, I left earlier than I had wanted to give calm back to the new mom. Thanks for letting us know about her. I had been thinking of her, wondering how she was doing.
Daniel Steven Baggarley
Bill
I remember you and Joan very well from Eastern days but also from
our time at L.C. I was very sorry to hear about Joan. It was quite obvious
early on that you were meant for each other. The blessing to me is the good
memories of our school days and the scarce times we were able to share
as a group. I hope to see you at the 50 year celebration.
Dan
Harry Allen Phillips
Bill,
Thank you and Joanfor your friendship through our grade school years at Whittier School and Lewis and Clark High School.
Harry A. Phillips
Susan Slagle McConnell (Walker)
Bill, I was so touched by your comments and tribute to your wife. I remember you two so well, and just though Joan was one of the "best"... she was such a great gal, and am so glad you two had such a nice life together.She was also one of the sweetest girls I knew. I am so very sorry you have lost your best friend. Just know her spirit is with you, even though her body is not.
I looked at your profile, and wanted to thank you for your military service, and look forward to seeing you again at the reunion. You two had quite an adventure together... you were both blessed to have each other... as childhood sweethearts. I know, I met my husband when I was 13, and when I moved to Spokane, we dated off and on through my high school years. We celebrate our 50th on July 18th, so I know what I speak about :-)
Susan "Sue" Slagle McConnell Walker