Joann, 63, of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on September 14, 2018 surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor in January of 2017, she put up a courageous fight with the support of her family, friends, doctors and nurses. In true Joann fashion, she beat many odds, surprising doctors along the way, creating numerous cherished memories with family and friends, traveling the country from coast to coast, and inspiring others with her love, kindness, faith, and remarkable strength. Joann had a deep devotion to Mary and often went to her in prayer to overcome challenges and to celebrate her blessings. She was truly a woman of unwavering faith in God. Her optimism kept her smiling and her faith kept her strong. Her famous phrase, “meant to be” highlighted her beautiful trust and resignation to God’s providential power in her own life.
Joann was born February 13, 1955 in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, daughter of Carl and Louise Fromm. She was the youngest and only daughter with 3 older brothers. Having formed a unique and special bond with her mother from an early age, she grew up with a best friend and mentor who instilled in her to live life with strength, hope, and heart in everything she did. She attended St Paul’s Catholic School and Bishop Gallagher High School which further nourished her faith in Christ and her passion for athletics. She attended Aquinas College, playing basketball and double majoring in Business and Physical Education.
Joann met her beloved husband of 42 years while they were studying abroad in Ireland in 1975. With faith and dedication by their side, they married a year later and began building a wonderful life together. First and foremost they adored each other and they challenged each other to be better, to love harder, and fall deeper into faith. Frank and Joann had a beautiful bond and they were true soulmates complimenting each other in every way. Joann had a remarkable and contagious smile, constantly brought out by Frank’s sense of humor and sharp wit. Joann was always by his side, providing enduring love, support, and comfort through all their life’s endeavors.
Joann aspired to be a mother from an early age and she and Frank were blessed with 5 children: Katie (Mike), Frank Jr. (Shannon), Maura (Nick), Erin (Daryl) and Patrick (Mackenzie). Being a mom was one of her greatest joys. She inspired, encouraged, and walked along each of her children no matter where they were in life. She cheered them on from the sidelines, provided just the right words at the right time, filled their hearts and minds with love, and joyfully sacrificed whatever was needed for them. She was a best friend, a confidant, a role model, and always a soft place to land for her children.
Joann’s love for faith, children and teaching found her role as the physical education teacher at Ascension Catholic School in 2001. She taught for 15 years and retired in 2016. She was often favored by many children and learned each and every child’s name throughout her career. In the last 10 years, her lifelong love for quilts became a reality as she partnered with a close friend, Wendy to start Sunflower Stitchers where they created and finished quilts. This furthered her ability to share her creative talents, love for giving, and passion for others through the gift of warmth, love, and comfort.
Joann was never more proud than the day she became a grandmother. As the grandchildren continued to come along, Joann lost herself in the joy of welcoming each child. She made each child a beautiful quilt. She loved to play games with them in the yard, take them on special outings, and remind them with words and deeds just how beloved they are.
Besides family and teaching, Joann had a passion for the communities in which she lived. She always maintained an active lifestyle with a strong passion for golf, horses, charities, and household pets like her beloved Wheaten Terrier, Lad. She was an active previous member at the Mission Valley Hunt Club and Brookridge Country Club where she was a member of the women’s golf league, often winning the tournaments she competed in. As active and competitive as she was, she was a true role model of good sportsmanship who was always up for physical and mental challenges. She was passionate about supporting others on a journey of embracing competition and helping others. She effortlessly maintained a balance of mind, body, and soul and she passed this to others as a true teacher of life, always encouraging and helping fellow competitors as well as friends, family, and anyone along her path.
Joann contributed to many charities throughout her life through her generous spirit. She offered her prayers, talents, gifts, and donations to many agencies including the Nativity House, a safe haven for single pregnant mothers, and Catholic Charities which supports the global and local Catholic missions. She was also a certified therapeutic riding instructor to help individuals with disabilities gain independence through the therapeutic use of a horse. She offered prayer and monetary gifts to Unbound by sponsoring a child in need until adulthood in Guatemala. Joann contributed her talents to Folds of Honor in order to help bring educational scholarships to the children and spouses of service members. She was an active member and participant in her parish ministries, most especially through giving of her time and talent to Covered in Prayer, a group dedicated to bringing comfort to the sick.
Joann is survived by many relatives to include her husband Frank, her mother Louise, her brothers Rick and Dave, her children Katie (Mike), Frank Jr (Shannon), Maura (Nick), Erin (Daryl), and Patrick (Mackenzie) and her grandchildren Claire (8), Grady (6), Therese (6), Connor (6), Audrey (4), Kelly Jo (4), Owen (3), Rory (2), Eli (1), Zoe (5 months), Sophie (3months), and Delaney (Oct. 8).
In honor of Joann, the family has requested that in lieu of gifts and flowers, please make donations in her name to the Nativity House by visiting their website: http://nativityhousekc.org/donations.html Visitation will be 5-7:00 PM, Thursday, September 20th at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 West 127th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213 with a Rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Friday, September 21, 2018 at the Church of the Ascension.
Click on the “Donate Now!” button and then select the option "I would like to dedicate this donation". Enter Joann Mader for the tribute name and then Frank Mader, fmader3@yahoo.com for the notification contact.