I never knew Joanie, but she and I shared some casual banter together over the years; she had a great sense of humor and a big heart. I am bereft and send my sincerest sympathies to everyone who loved her.

--- Bonnie O'Leary in Virginia

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Joan Emerick. Joanie was one of the most fun people I ever knew online. She was much loved and an inspiration to all that knew her. I am so sorry that I never got to meet her in person, but she will have a reserved place in my heart forever as a great online friend.

--- Sharon Cohen

I will always remember the joy she shared with me when I emailed SWC and joined this great group.

--- Sharlene Thomas in Joondanna Perth WA (Western Australia)

What can one say about Joanie that hasn't been said? The only memory I have is from our 3 day camp out at Camp CO in the Rockies.

The first day we all met, we went on and on about how, "You look JUST like NOTHING like I thought from the way you write on SWC!"

I was at first taken aback from the lopsided smile I saw on Joanie's face, but she quickly put us all at ease with her explanation of the cause of the paralysis and even joked about it.

I think we got into our first conversation under the tent... if you haven't heard the story before, it was POURING from the time we got off the mountain walk until our ending day Sunday. She was writing notes to those around her who could not sign. She knew I could hear so she voiced to me and I did PSE (talk and sign at same time) back to her.

I like to think I helped her with some of our other members who did not know how to sign nor understand her limited enunciations by using my ORAL skills to interpret for her. NOT that she really NEEDED my help, but I was there and willing to do it so she did not reject my offerings.

Walt and I both had such an awesome and warm encounter with her and all the other SWCers that weekend; the memories will remain in our hearts for all time. Rest in peace, Joanie. Your friends are blessed for having known you...however briefly.

--- Brenda Dawe