Comments on: A Great Loss in Illinois

By: Judy Junis

Judy Junis — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:01:04 +0000

I was the person who went to check on Joni that horrible evening. I just wanted to add that I asked Joni to do all the necessary things suggested when you suspect a stroke. She did them successfully, even laughing a bit when she stuck our her tongue and asking, “Did I do it good enough?” Strokes/brain bleeds can move very quickly. Her next sentence indicated that, indeed, her brain was being effected and 911 was called. So correct responses do not always rightly indicate that there is no bleeding. If there is any doubt call 911.

We miss Joni every day. She was such a GFWC advocate and was the one who, by her persistence and consistent keeping in touch, got me involved. I will always be grateful to have known her.

By: carol

carol — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:37:28 +0000

Karen, So sorry for the loss of your friend. I just lost my father with the same type of bleed in his brain, this is a stroke. I’m quoting The American Stroke Association:
ACT F.A.S.T.= these are 4 danger signs
Face- Facial Droop,uneven smile

Arm- Arm Weakness, Arm Numbness

Speech- Slurred Speech, Difficulty talking or understanding

Time- call 911 and get to a hospital immediately, get treatment with- in 3 hours
We know GFWC can spread the word with this simple statement ACT F.A.S.T.

She has a beautiful Legacy with all of your testimonials!

By: Shelli Fehr

Shelli Fehr — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:52:17 +0000

Having known Jonie since becoming a member, her loss is acutely felt by me. It was Jonie who encouraged me to become active at the District level and who kept me active at the State level. Jonie’s creativity was reknown in our area and we will be forever affected by her loss. Jonie is kept alive, however, in the individuals who received one of her organs. Jonie would be so pleased to know her death helped others live!

By: Elaine Bush, GFWC IL

Elaine Bush, GFWC IL — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:01 +0000

Thanks Karen for the lovely memorial for Jonie. She was a Federation Friend who had a great smile and her quiet ways of working for many in Federation.
Our health is very important for each of us – may her example be a reminder to live each day and take care.

By: Mabel Lou Weber

Mabel Lou Weber — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:58:54 +0000

Karen, How thoughtful to do a tribute to Jonie!! Well done.
Mabel Lou

By: Candy Godbee

Candy Godbee — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:09:43 +0000

To have known Jonie is a privilege. Her smile was contagious. I will hold fond memories of a great Federation friend. May we all learn from her loss. The day may come that the reminders brought to us from her passing, may be the reminder that helps us to save another. If that happens, Jonie will surely be smiling down, knowing she is still helping her Federation friends.

Thanks, Karen for you part in this tribute.

By: Deb Strahanoski

Deb Strahanoski — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:56:04 +0000

Thank you Karen for the lovely article on Jonie. She was all of what you wrote and more. We will all miss Jonie – especially her great smile! I know that’s what I will miss – it didn’t matter what was going on in Jonie’s life she always had that great smile. I will forever remember the wonderful memories of Jonie as we served together over the years in GFWC Illinois.

The stroke information is so important for all of us to follow.

By: Pat Rung

Pat Rung — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:11:56 +0000

Her life is an inspiration to us all and let us know how fragile life is. We all need to heed the signs of stroke and take notice for us and our federation sisters.

By: Becky Weber

Becky Weber — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:33:29 +0000

Karen, thanks so much for the wonderful tribute to Jonie. I had the privilege of serving on the GFWC Illinois Junior Board of Directors and the GFWC Illinois Board of Directors with her. She had a wonderful passion for Federation!
May her “Federation Spirit” live on in all of us!!!

By: Peggy Masterson

Peggy Masterson — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:29:04 +0000

Jonie was “Proud To Be A GFWC Illinois Clubwoman” and you have remembered her rightly! This is a beautiful tribute to Jonie and her contributions as a Leader, Federation Friend, and Clubwoman.

By: Diane Addante, GFWC IL

Diane Addante, GFWC IL — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:14:34 +0000

Karen
Thanks so much for this remembrance of Jonie and crucial advice to other clubwomen. Jonie will be missed!