In August of 2005 Joanna was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She battled strongly for two and a half years and the cancer was in remission. Treatment left her with bad lungs and circulatory system and 2 days after her 53rd birthday she succumb to respiratory congestion. Throughout her struggle she personified the spirit of Aikido, remained positive about surviving and continued to be an inspiration to the many friends in her life. We will all miss her laugh and her smile but we also will retain many fond memories of how she touched our lives inside and outside of the dojo.

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