In Memory

Jo-Anne Christensen (Sykes)



 
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02/14/23 11:09 PM #1    

Ray Ferreira

I remember Jo-Anne from around school and study hall.   She was a friend to all who knew her.  

(Her Obituary can be seen below)  -- Rest in Peace.

 

NEW BEDFORD- JoAnne C. Sykes, 75, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on November 25, 2022. She was the loving wife of the late Richard W. Sykes.

JoAnne was born in New Bedford and was the daughter of the late Chris Christensen and Cecile (Corre) Christensen.  A lifelong resident of New Bedford’s South End, JoAnne was employed as the office manager at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for many years. 

She is survived by her sons, Ryan Sykes of New Bedford and Derek Sykes and his wife Amanda of Maynard; grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Gabby, and Audri whom she loved very much.

JoAnne had a rich and wonderful life.  She was so many things to so many people.  Above all, she was a fantastic mother and an even better grandmother.  JoAnne was a devoted daughter to her mother Cecile and a cherished member of her extended family.  In her spare time, she loved socializing with her dear friends at the thrift shop, neighbors, and “girls” lunch group.  Her singular pleasure was spending time with her cousins basking on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. 

When she was younger, she was an active mom for the SEYAA little league.  She cheered her boys on the ballfield, broke up wiffle ball fights in the backyard, and fed all the neighborhood kids peanut butter sandwiches throughout the summer.  This and a million other sweet little things that she did made this bright, caring, brave, and talented woman the Jewel of the South End.  She will be sorely missed by the so many people that she touched throughout her life.

JoAnne, being the kind and practical person that she was, had asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to St. Martin’s Thrift Shop, 136 Rivet St., New Bedford, MA


02/15/23 02:21 PM #2    

Dave Medeiros

A "South Ender" ... fun times at Taylor, Roosevelt and NBHS. .. and at Hazelwood Park and all around the South End growing up!  Fond memories!!


02/16/23 08:02 AM #3    

Charles "Chuck" Morris

Skating at the poor farm really cold hanging out at lot 13 a true South end girl Joanne was precious. I knew her husband Dickie who we played golf together many times. Real great couple.  They are together again 🙏 peace Joanne. 


02/17/23 04:47 PM #4    

Sandra Wade (Rovas)

I met Jo-anne at Roosevelt and liked her immediately.  She was smart & friendly making a shy gal feel welcome.  I'm sorry I didn't see her in adulthood but will always remember her kindness.


02/17/23 05:42 PM #5    

Karen von Bergen

Joanne and I grew up together in the South end. I remember skating with her at the Poorfarm among other things. We had some great times together. May she rest in peace, I will never forget her!


02/21/23 10:37 AM #6    

Thomas Taylor

Jo-Anne and her Mom lived at 155 Apponegansett in the South End in the early '60's.  They were at the very (nearly) end of my paper route for the NB Standard-Times.  I had to knock on the doors of every customer on Friday evenings to "collect" the 67 cents for the week's deliveries.   If I got a 3 cent tip, I was deligted.  

Knocking on their front door not only signaled the end of my Friday evening chores as a paperboy, but was a high point of interacting with Jo-Anne or her Mom.  I was 13; what can I say?  I moved to L.A. in 1971, and only traveled back to NB to visit my parents during the ensuing years.

I met Jo-Anne again at St Martin's during my father's service in 2015.  Bon Voyage, my first crush.

Tom Taylor  -  Scottsdale, AZ


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