Joan Cynthia Bullock

Our mom, grandmother, friend, Joan, passed away on December 27th minutes after family gathered around her.  She wasn't just a mother to us - she was a second mom to so many of our friends over the years. Her heart had an open door, and she had this gift for making everyone feel like family. Joan was loved by so many in her circle of friends in church, bible study, and exercise groups, and she loved them right back. She was grounded in her faith and loved life, family, and friends with her whole heart. Joan had many health challenges, but she endured them and won until she couldn't anymore. Her desire to live and spend time with family gave her that super strength. She never missed an opportunity for fun, and her grandchildren were absolutely her pride and joy. She never wanted to miss a school performance, sporting event, or making cookies.  It brought her joy  Joan was living with us for the past seven weeks, and that brought us and her peace as she lived the remaining days of her life on earth. I met Joan 30 years ago when Dave and I were Peace Corps volunteers in São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa. Not many parents ventured so far to visit, but she and Rick did, and that's when I began to admire her as a person and mother. She embraced me as a friend and daughter-in-law. She was fiercely loyal and supported me, our marriage, parenthood, and our careers through all the ups and downs. I have never seen someone wrap the most perfect gift or write the most thoughtful cards. Those small acts of love meant everything. Rick, David, Josh, Johan, Genevieve, Jackson, and Kim were all by her side when she passed. True to who she was, she waited until her family arrived before letting go. Now she is traveling the heavens with the peace and joy she brought to all of us. Joan was a beautiful friend, mother, and Vovó (grandmother in Portuguese) who touched so many lives. I'm grateful for every memory, every laugh, and for the way she showed all of us what it means to love with your whole heart.  Sending love to all of her friends and our family  

Please leave a memory, story, picture or words of hope.  Peace and love to all!