No matter where we were, what we were doing, Joanne always had a funny story that pertained to our current situation. So many dinners, post race breakfasts. Too many hours of amazing company and laughter to pick just one story to tell. Your love & friendship holds a very special place in our hearts. Greg Tiffany & Colette
Joanne, When I walked into your home, I could feel God's presence. I mentioned this, and we shared how we both had encountered angels at times. You had one of those most fantastic qualities, to make others feel loved and special. The most prescious gift of all, to uplift others. Now you are there, walking with Jesus, surrounded by the heavenly choir, and I know that you hear and see us all, and intercede for your loved ones. You are missed here on earth, but we understand that when your time was up, you had to go to where you truelly belong.. in heaven. We hope to see you soon.. here on earth time sometimes seem to go by in snail pace and other times it flies by. I know, that in the perspective of eternity, in just a blink of an eye, your loved ones currently mourning that you are no longer here, will see you again, in a place of no sorrow, hurt or pain.
Everyone that came in contact with Joanne, no matter how short that visit might have been, left a better person. Joanne left the World a better place then when she came in to it. I will never forget the look in JoAnne's eyes when she smiled.
Aloha, Joanne; Your spirit will live on at our softball games, especially during the summers when you would sit in the bleachers and yell out, "C'mon, Honey," whenever Pete came up to bat. The Lord wanted you at his side to teach, nurture and look after the children in Heaven. A Hui Hou (See you later).
I got to know Joanne during RAAM '08. You get to know someone really well when you cram 10 people into a R.V. to eat and sleep. Joanne was the crew chief and was responsible for the riders and crew, things could get pretty intense at times. We were probably half way to Annapolis and things had been crazy, Joanne took me aside and told me I was low maintenance and that I was her "sweetie pie". Ever since then any time I would see her she would ask "how is my sweetie pie". I will never forget it.
Joanne I hope you can read this from heaven. You had a huge positive impact on my life. Thanks for the advice you gave me, the maps you sent me, and the sweetness and kindness you spread around so readily. It is hard to accept you being gone.
"I think cyclists tend to live more fully than the average person does. I find them to be passionate about life, passionate about their jobs, their lives, their relationships and I think that makes for really fun people to be with." - Joanne Penseyres
My niece Anna Davis and I had the pleasure of cycling with and getting to know Joanne and Pete on a Pac Tour tandem week in Arizona. Anna made a video documentary of the tour which includes a short interview with Joanne.
http://www.elandocumentary.com/pactour/
Click on "Tandem", Joanne is interviewed at the 5 minute point.
Joanne impacted my life with words of wisdom - from child care to salad preparation. Our husbands became best of friends as they raced against each other or on as tandem team. She was there for me in the beginning days of PAC Tour. She helped sew up our first laundry bags and table clothes. Her presence in my life is forever. That Joanne - a great smile, a wonderful attitude and a heart that could take on the world. And could she tell a story!
Crew chiefs are everything in RAAM. Especially when you've sworn you'll never do RAAM again, but when you show the slightest flicker of interest, without a word your crew chief starts preparing. That was Joanne - a true inspiration. Pete - so many good times you have had together. How heartbreaking to lose your crew chief, tandem partner, and best friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Patty and Terry - Team Racing Against Diabetes
My mom used to tell me to be wary of the 'older kids' and along comes Marino, Shermer and guys like Pete and I drank their RAAM Koolaide...and it's the best stuff on earth! I found out the hard way that it takes more than a handful of people to cross the country by bicycle and there are people like Joanne to prove it. What appears to most to be an individual sport and characterised as "Solo Division" has a perfectly good crew behind every person who makes the crossing I assure you. I heard recently that the way you know you've made it in sports is when people refer to you by first name only...I think in crew ranks Joanne has been sufficient for some time now. Next time I'm out on a ride I fully expect a banana to fall from the heavens into my jersey pocket and I'll know who it's from.
Joanne was an inspiration to me in growth group when she shared her God moments. I'll never forget the peach minature roses or the cradle. She touched my heart, my life, and my relationship with Jesus!!! See you in His glory, Joanne. Love, Pam B.
I never told you how much you meant to me. You were part of a loving family (which I did not have)and shared that with me for many years. You gave me advice about getting along with my sister. I didn't believe you when I was 10, but you were right and my sister and I are now friends. You made holidays fun when I was present for them and made evrything Kristi and I did together fun. You took us everywhere and were so giving and caring. You gave a child something essential...a vision into a hopeful future, a picture of what loving families do and how they treat one another. I hope to pass that same feeling onto my own daughter who is now 10 years old. I hope that through me, she can also feel some of your kindness.
Anyone who is willing to drive a crazy New Zealander in a "Goofy" hat to Disneyland in a big red fully chromed Cadillac (?)and spend the day riding the Matterhorn and spinning in teacups - that's my kinda lady! It might have only been one day in 1993 that our paths crossed, Joanne , but when Doug let me know on Friday what had happened, I immediately remembered that fun day I spent with you and your fantastic family. I am forwarding some photos of that most excellent adventure to Kevin and Shawna, as well as Doug.
Frances and I were in a situation following the memorial service and contimplated what would Joanne do? As we considered what Joanne would do it gave us strength to know it was the right way to think and act. We are planning on keeping Joanne alive in our hearts and minds by asking what would Joanne do? in situations and circumstances she was so good at mastering.
Tapestries are woven over a life-time - one thread at a time. In Joanne's case, daily acts of kindness, love, and caring over the course of her life. Her tapestry of the heart is spectacular, breath-taking to behold, inspiring.
I really enjoying speaking with Pete and Joanne at the RAAM start this year. I remember thinking to myself, “These are two of the nicest people in the sport of Ultra Cycling.” It just seems like yesterday …
On the PAC Tour 1990 Southern Transcontinental, a couple of us missed the turn to Twenty-Nine Palms on Day 1. We were flying down to Palm Springs with a tailwind at 30+ MPH until we finally figured out that we had missed the turn. We turned around and made our way VERY SLOWLY back then onto the correct road to Twenty Nine Palms. It was well over 100 degrees and it was just like riding into a blast furnace. We were out of water and just getting cooked. We finally made it to the last Rest Stop which was being ran by none other than Joanne Penseyres!! She was an absolute angel to us. Not only did she have lots of ICE, she had lots of encouraging words for us. Her smile and her ultra positive attitude gave me a huge lift that day and made a big difference for me in the brutally hard days we had ahead. It was a huge sacrifice for her to be out there in the middle of nowhere all afternoon in the baking sun. Thank you Joanne for this and for the great example of selfless support you were to all of us.
Words cannot express about the wonderful person known as Joanne. Our lives crossed way back in College and it was great to hear and watch Pete and Joanne enjoy life together. What can you say about a supportive superstar. I am filled with sadness for the loss but celebrating the joy where Joanne now lives. We are sending our prayers for Pete and the family and the greater family and lives that Joanne touched. May God bless you all.
Pete, I have never had the pleasure of meeting Joanne or you. However, through watching you on all the RAAM videos and hearding about you two through many many cylists, I know that Joanne had a special place in your heart. I want to give my truest sympathy to you and your family during this hard time. I hope that her heart and good will toward other people will continue to spread with her wonderful memories. God Bless David Goggins
While we are not cyclists, it was our tandem bike that brought Pete & Joanne into our lives. When they decided it was time to join a North Coast growth group, Pete carefully read the bio's of the various group leaders. When he came to ours & read "They are often seen on their tandem ...", he excitedly selected our group, thinking it was a group of athletes. While I am sure they were disappointed to learn that "their idea" & "our idea" of "often" are worlds apart, they stuck with us and graced our lives since Jan 2003.
Every Tuesday evening at 7:00, Joanne would burst thru our front door with the greeting "We're here!!" ... "Let the party begin" was implied. Each week, we were blessed by her stories ... always relevant, always refreshing. Even when we had heard them before, hearing Joanne tell them again was always new ... her enthusiam made it a new story each time. She intuitively knew when someone was down & was the first to put her arms around them & give them words of encouragment.
When it was Joanne's night to supply dessert to the group, we always knew the treat in store ... Ice Cream (what else is there??) with every kind of chocolate topping imaginable. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fudgy chocolate, chocolate chips. Bonfires night became a tradition for our group. Pete & Joanne brought the wood ... a truckload full & a raging inferno was lit. When the fire would start to wane a bit, Joanne delighted in egging Pete on with the words "Honey, I think the group next to us has a bigger fire." She knew how to spur Pete to action & soon, our fire was blazing as bright as ever.
After the accident in Switzerland, the prognosis for Joanne's knee was not good. The doctors told her that she would never get back her full mobility. Joanne faithfully continued attending group ... first in a wheel chair, then on crutches. We rejoiced when she was able to come without any aid, but her limp was still noticable. Each week, she would show us how much straighter she could get her knee. Did she accept the Dr's prediction? No way ... there were hills to climb & white powder slopes to hit! She worked & trained faithfully, determined that she would be able to once again do all the things she loved. Her final recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Having gotten to where she could ski, she was warned by the Dr. that she had to wear a knee brace to protect her knee from further damage. She forgot to wear it & heard an odd "pop" sound ... that was strange, but "Look, I can fully straighten my knee!!" Praise the Lord!! (next time, wear the brace, Joanne!)
If I had to summarize Joanne in just one word, it would be "love". She loved God, she loved others & she loved life. She could warm a room with her presence & had a way of making eveyone feel accepted & included. We are forever blessed by having had her in our lives for these past 7 years. Joanne, we miss you ... our loss is heaven's gain.
Joanne, you are the nicest person I know. It was a wonderful priveledge to have known you, to have been welcomed into your home and have you as our crew chief. I am embarrassed now how immature, crude and egotistical I was those 20 years ago, I am pleased that you can see me now raising my daughters. I was so sad you are gone, I felt we would see each other sometime and catch up on things. My condolences to the entire Penseyres family
Thanks to all of you who posted comments, stories, and loving memories on this blog. For anyone who was not able to attend Joanne's Memorial Service, please let me know if you would like a copy of the DVD mailed to you. If you think of a funny or touching memory about Joanne, please share it on this site. Pete
When Joanne and Pete joined our Growth Group, it was a wonderful blessing. Joanne always showed up with a bright smile and blew through the door with an "I'm Here!". She was always so caring of individuals in the group and had great insights for our discussions. When she would say, "I have a story to tell, but it'll be worth it," the whole group would laugh and anticipate her anecdote of the week. When we moved away in 2005, Pete was a BIG help. I've always looked forward to seeing Pete and Joanne's smiling faces when we visit the area. I will miss her terribly!
December 08, 2009 Thank you Joanne for the huge positive impact you had on my life. I hope that somehow you see this from where you are in Heaven ~ Rick Kent, Austin, Texas
December 08, 2009 Whenever I saw her at a ball game she had a smile on her face and a big hello.She will be missed. You have my sincerest condolences, Wolfie
December 08, 2009 Joanne was such a good mentor and friend to me. She was always ready and willing to help others. She was an amazing teacher and person. She will always be remembered and missed. God Bless. ~ Dom Anguiano, Bonsall, California
December 08, 2009 Aunt Joanne you were the best aunt and friend we could ever have known on this earth and we look forward to seeing you in heaven. Love and kisses, Julie & Judy Joe & Jerry Sarah & Erica xoxo
December 08, 2009 Joanne and I worked together many times at the annual Cyclo-Vet race registration table. We always laughed the whole time together. I knew I would have fun if Joanne was there. I'll always remember the smile on her beautiful face. ~ Kathleen Roth, San Diego, California
December 09, 2009 I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne,when Pete performed the wedding for my daugher Tiffany and son-in-law Greg. She made quite an impression on me,with that wonderful smile. I didn't see her again until 9 years later at my daughter's baby shower, but it was just as if we were friends who talked all the time. You have my sincere, heartfelt sympathy. Make the Peace of God keep you all strong. ~ Cynthia Campbell, Dallas, Texas
December 10, 2009 I never met Joanne or Pete, but I remember watching the coverage of RAAM as he did an amazing ride. I don't remember if I knew at the time how much a factor she was in is success. 4 years ago I lost my wife of 33 years. I know what Pete is going through. My heart goes out to him and all the family. Just remember Pete, if you know Jesus too, then it will only be "the blink of an eye" and you and Joanne will be together again, forever. ~ Henry Wollman, Rocky, Oklahoma
December 10, 2009 "I think cyclists tend to live more fully than the average person does. I find them to be passionate about life, passionate about their jobs, their lives, their relationships and I think that makes for really fun people to be with."
Joanne Penseyres
My niece Anna Davis and I had the pleasure of cycling with and getting to know Joanne and Pete on a Pac Tour tandem week in Arizona in 2006. Anna made a video documentary of the tour which includes a short interview with Joanne.
http://www.elandocumentary.com/pactour/
Click on "Tandem" ~ John Rohland, Rumford, Rhode Island
December 10, 2009 I will always treasure all the fond memories starting with the Senior Olympics race with Pete so many years and miles ago. Joanne was taking pictures and lending support even then. My thoughts are with Pete and family and Jim and family. Ride on. ~ Edward Lewis, Thousand Oaks, California
December 10, 2009 Pete, Mike and I send our sincerest wishes of comfort to you as you make your way through this life without Joanne. We admired her from the first time we met her in the late 80's when you all were doing RAAM. What a wonderful person. We'll always remember her welcoming smile. ~ Cindy Roark, Fallbrook, California
December 10, 2009 We first met Joanne when she and Pete were dating. She had a smile that could light up a room. (We knew that she and Pete had a special relationship when she gave Pete a box of bottle caps one year.) We know that she is sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Pete, Joanne and the rest of the family are in our prayers. ~ Bob&Judy Petrokas, Los Gatos, California
December 10, 2009 Pete, As friends from long ago, we're very sorry to learn of Joanne's passing. Our sincere condolences. Rick & Sandi Verbanec ~ Rick Verbanec, Pebble Beach, California
December 10, 2009 I remember meeting Joanne in 1983 and 1984 when she crewed for Pete and his brother Jim in the RAAM. She was a super star. My heart goes out to her family. With love and my prayers, ~ Kitty Goursolle, San Ramon, California
December 11, 2009 Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this extremely difficult time. I pray God will give you all peace. ~ Hugh McLarnon, Ventura, California
December 11, 2009 I met Joanne through Bonsall Elementary school when my children attended school there. She encouraged me to volunteer to teach high school students to read and what a rewarding experience that was. She was so passionate about reading and connecting with the students...She was truly a one of a kind special mentor and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. God Bless ~ Angie Shuster, Fallbrook, California
December 11, 2009 Joanne, you will always be in my heart. You taught me how to tie my shoes, how to ride a bike, along with daddy, and taught me how to share. I can't remember you ever not being wonderful and kind. I will miss you always, your little sister, Janette ~ Janette Love, Rancho Cucamonga, California
December 12, 2009 We met both Joanne and Pete in Ciclistas Capistrano. These were the beginning of our cycling adventures. Ellwood remembers traveling to races with Pete, but also remembers going to a bike race in the VW with Pete, Joanne and Kristie and sleeping on the ground in a park and then racing! We have fond memories of all the wonderful rides we took with you and Joanne. You both made some ice cream in a churn that was very memorable. We are so sorry that we missed the funeral but were not aware of it until 12/12/09. ~ Ellwood& Lyn Johnson, San Juan Capistrano, California
December 12, 2009 Every once in a while there is someone so truly remarkable who touches so many lives in wonderful ways that you don't even have to have met them to be awed by them. Joanne was one of those. I'm sorry I didn't get to know her.
December 13, 2009 Pete and Kristi, today's memorial service was a great remembrance and celebration of Joanne's life; Very well done. You are in our prayers. We thought today, Pete, of what a great mentoring experience you and Joanne were for us (and others we are sure) as we were married a few years after your wedding. You were an example of best friends who took care of each other. You enriched our lives and gave us an example of a good marriage. Keep in touch, especially on those days of adjustment that lie ahead. ~ Janet & Tom Clark, Santa Monica, California
December 24, 2009 Just a note to say what wonderful memories I will always have of Joanne. I will always remember her as charming and friendly, a great team leader, an accomplished tactician, a problem solver and one of the most delightful people I have ever known . My thanks to all the Penseyres for the life long memories afforded by the opportunity to participate with you and Joanne as a RAAM crew member.
Joanne, Pete and I met in 1966. I remember our first adventure was dune buggying in Pismo Beach. We have kept in touch all these years. I deeply regret that I did not call when I did not receive a Christmas card in 2009 and 2010. Thank you so much, Pete, for contacting me. Reading all these comments just reinforces how special Joanne was. May she finally be at peace. Love, Janey Danbury, CT
No matter where we were, what we were doing, Joanne always had a funny story that pertained to our current situation. So many dinners, post race breakfasts. Too many hours of amazing company and laughter to pick just one story to tell. Your love & friendship holds a very special place in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteGreg Tiffany & Colette
Joanne, When I walked into your home, I could feel God's presence. I mentioned this, and we shared how we both had encountered angels at times. You had one of those most fantastic qualities, to make others feel loved and special. The most prescious gift of all, to uplift others. Now you are there, walking with Jesus, surrounded by the heavenly choir, and I know that you hear and see us all, and intercede for your loved ones. You are missed here on earth, but we understand that when your time was up, you had to go to where you truelly belong.. in heaven. We hope to see you soon.. here on earth time sometimes seem to go by in snail pace and other times it flies by. I know, that in the perspective of eternity, in just a blink of an eye, your loved ones currently mourning that you are no longer here, will see you again, in a place of no sorrow, hurt or pain.
ReplyDeleteEveryone that came in contact with Joanne, no matter how short that visit might have been, left a better person. Joanne left the World a better place then when she came in to it.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the look in JoAnne's eyes when she smiled.
Aloha, Joanne;
ReplyDeleteYour spirit will live on at our softball games, especially during the summers when you would sit in the bleachers and yell out, "C'mon, Honey," whenever Pete came up to bat.
The Lord wanted you at his side to teach, nurture and look after the children in Heaven.
A Hui Hou (See you later).
Jerry
I got to know Joanne during RAAM '08. You get to know someone really well when you cram 10 people into a R.V. to eat and sleep. Joanne was the crew chief and was responsible for the riders and crew, things could get pretty intense at times. We were probably half way to Annapolis and things had been crazy, Joanne took me aside and told me I was low maintenance and that I was her "sweetie pie". Ever since then any time I would see her she would ask "how is my sweetie pie". I will never forget it.
ReplyDeleteJoanne I hope you can read this from heaven. You had a huge positive impact on my life. Thanks for the advice you gave me, the maps you sent me, and the sweetness and kindness you spread around so readily. It is hard to accept you being gone.
ReplyDeletePete and family -- Clearly you have been blessed by an angel who continues to live in your hearts and guides you forevermore.
ReplyDelete"I think cyclists tend to live more fully than the average person does. I find them to be passionate about life, passionate about their jobs, their lives, their relationships and I think that makes for really fun people to be with." - Joanne Penseyres
ReplyDeleteMy niece Anna Davis and I had the pleasure of cycling with and getting to know Joanne and Pete on a Pac Tour tandem week in Arizona. Anna made a video documentary of the tour which includes a short interview with Joanne.
http://www.elandocumentary.com/pactour/
Click on "Tandem", Joanne is interviewed at the 5 minute point.
John Rohland
Joanne impacted my life with words of wisdom - from child care to salad preparation. Our husbands became best of friends as they raced against each other or on as tandem team. She was there for me in the beginning days of PAC Tour. She helped sew up our first laundry bags and table clothes. Her presence in my life is forever. That Joanne - a great smile, a wonderful attitude and a heart that could take on the world. And could she tell a story!
ReplyDeleteCrew chiefs are everything in RAAM. Especially when you've sworn you'll never do RAAM again, but when you show the slightest flicker of interest, without a word your crew chief starts preparing. That was Joanne - a true inspiration. Pete - so many good times you have had together. How heartbreaking to lose your crew chief, tandem partner, and best friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Patty and Terry - Team Racing Against Diabetes
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to tell me to be wary of the 'older kids' and along comes Marino, Shermer and guys like Pete and I drank their RAAM Koolaide...and it's the best stuff on earth! I found out the hard way that it takes more than a handful of people to cross the country by bicycle and there are people like Joanne to prove it. What appears to most to be an individual sport and characterised as "Solo Division" has a perfectly good crew behind every person who makes the crossing I assure you. I heard recently that the way you know you've made it in sports is when people refer to you by first name only...I think in crew ranks Joanne has been sufficient for some time now. Next time I'm out on a ride I fully expect a banana to fall from the heavens into my jersey pocket and I'll know who it's from.
ReplyDeleteJoanne was an inspiration to me in growth group when she shared her God moments. I'll never forget the peach minature roses or the cradle. She touched my heart, my life, and my relationship with Jesus!!! See you in His glory, Joanne. Love, Pam B.
ReplyDeleteDear Joanne,
ReplyDeleteI never told you how much you meant to me. You were part of a loving family (which I did not have)and shared that with me for many years. You gave me advice about getting along with my sister. I didn't believe you when I was 10, but you were right and my sister and I are now friends. You made holidays fun when I was present for them and made evrything Kristi and I did together fun. You took us everywhere and were so giving and caring. You gave a child something essential...a vision into a hopeful future, a picture of what loving families do and how they treat one another. I hope to pass that same feeling onto my own daughter who is now 10 years old. I hope that through me, she can also feel some of your kindness.
-Love, Jenny
Anyone who is willing to drive a crazy New Zealander in a "Goofy" hat to Disneyland in a big red fully chromed Cadillac (?)and spend the day riding the Matterhorn and spinning in teacups - that's my kinda lady! It might have only been one day in 1993 that our paths crossed, Joanne , but when Doug let me know on Friday what had happened, I immediately remembered that fun day I spent with you and your fantastic family. I am forwarding some photos of that most excellent adventure to Kevin and Shawna, as well as Doug.
ReplyDeleteWith love and prayers
Carl
What would Joanne do?
ReplyDeleteFrances and I were in a situation following the memorial service and contimplated what would Joanne do? As we considered what Joanne would do it gave us strength to know it was the right way to think and act. We are planning on keeping Joanne alive in our hearts and minds by asking what would Joanne do? in situations and circumstances she was so good at mastering.
Dan & Frances
Tapestry of the heart
ReplyDeleteTapestries are woven over a life-time - one thread at a time. In Joanne's case, daily acts of kindness, love, and caring over the course of her life. Her tapestry of the heart is spectacular, breath-taking to behold, inspiring.
Dan & Frances
I really enjoying speaking with Pete and Joanne at the RAAM start this year. I remember thinking to myself, “These are two of the nicest people in the sport of Ultra Cycling.” It just seems like yesterday …
ReplyDeleteOn the PAC Tour 1990 Southern Transcontinental, a couple of us missed the turn to Twenty-Nine Palms on Day 1. We were flying down to Palm Springs with a tailwind at 30+ MPH until we finally figured out that we had missed the turn. We turned around and made our way VERY SLOWLY back then onto the correct road to Twenty Nine Palms. It was well over 100 degrees and it was just like riding into a blast furnace. We were out of water and just getting cooked. We finally made it to the last Rest Stop which was being ran by none other than Joanne Penseyres!! She was an absolute angel to us. Not only did she have lots of ICE, she had lots of encouraging words for us. Her smile and her ultra positive attitude gave me a huge lift that day and made a big difference for me in the brutally hard days we had ahead. It was a huge sacrifice for her to be out there in the middle of nowhere all afternoon in the baking sun. Thank you Joanne for this and for the great example of selfless support you were to all of us.
Chuck Bramwell
Words cannot express about the wonderful person known as Joanne. Our lives crossed way back in College and it was great to hear and watch Pete and Joanne enjoy life together. What can you say about a supportive superstar. I am filled with sadness for the loss but celebrating the joy where Joanne now lives. We are sending our prayers for Pete and the family and the greater family and lives that Joanne touched. May God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteSteve and Stephanie Vieira
Pete,
ReplyDeleteI have never had the pleasure of meeting Joanne or you. However, through watching you on all the RAAM videos and hearding about you two through many many cylists, I know that Joanne had a special place in your heart. I want to give my truest sympathy to you and your family during this hard time. I hope that her heart and good will toward other people will continue to spread with her wonderful memories.
God Bless
David Goggins
While we are not cyclists, it was our tandem bike that brought Pete & Joanne into our lives. When they decided it was time to join a North Coast growth group, Pete carefully read the bio's of the various group leaders. When he came to ours & read "They are often seen on their tandem ...", he excitedly selected our group, thinking it was a group of athletes. While I am sure they were disappointed to learn that "their idea" & "our idea" of "often" are worlds apart, they stuck with us and graced our lives since Jan 2003.
ReplyDeleteEvery Tuesday evening at 7:00, Joanne would burst thru our front door with the greeting "We're here!!" ... "Let the party begin" was implied. Each week, we were blessed by her stories ... always relevant, always refreshing. Even when we had heard them before, hearing Joanne tell them again was always new ... her enthusiam made it a new story each time. She intuitively knew when someone was down & was the first to put her arms around them & give them words of encouragment.
When it was Joanne's night to supply dessert to the group, we always knew the treat in store ... Ice Cream (what else is there??) with every kind of chocolate topping imaginable. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fudgy chocolate, chocolate chips. Bonfires night became a tradition for our group. Pete & Joanne brought the wood ... a truckload full & a raging inferno was lit. When the fire would start to wane a bit, Joanne delighted in egging Pete on with the words "Honey, I think the group next to us has a bigger fire." She knew how to spur Pete to action & soon, our fire was blazing as bright as ever.
After the accident in Switzerland, the prognosis for Joanne's knee was not good. The doctors told her that she would never get back her full mobility. Joanne faithfully continued attending group ... first in a wheel chair, then on crutches. We rejoiced when she was able to come without any aid, but her limp was still noticable. Each week, she would show us how much straighter she could get her knee. Did she accept the Dr's prediction? No way ... there were hills to climb & white powder slopes to hit! She worked & trained faithfully, determined that she would be able to once again do all the things she loved. Her final recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Having gotten to where she could ski, she was warned by the Dr. that she had to wear a knee brace to protect her knee from further damage. She forgot to wear it & heard an odd "pop" sound ... that was strange, but "Look, I can fully straighten my knee!!" Praise the Lord!! (next time, wear the brace, Joanne!)
If I had to summarize Joanne in just one word, it would be "love". She loved God, she loved others & she loved life. She could warm a room with her presence & had a way of making eveyone feel accepted & included. We are forever blessed by having had her in our lives for these past 7 years. Joanne, we miss you ... our loss is heaven's gain.
Joanne, you are the nicest person I know. It was a wonderful priveledge to have known you, to have been welcomed into your home and have you as our crew chief.
ReplyDeleteI am embarrassed now how immature, crude and egotistical I was those 20 years ago, I am pleased that you can see me now raising my daughters. I was so sad you are gone, I felt we would see each other sometime and catch up on things.
My condolences to the entire Penseyres family
Thanks to all of you who posted comments, stories, and loving memories on this blog.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who was not able to attend Joanne's Memorial Service, please let me know if you would like a copy of the DVD mailed to you.
If you think of a funny or touching memory about Joanne, please share it on this site.
Pete
When Joanne and Pete joined our Growth Group, it was a wonderful blessing. Joanne always showed up with a bright smile and blew through the door with an "I'm Here!". She was always so caring of individuals in the group and had great insights for our discussions. When she would say, "I have a story to tell, but it'll be worth it," the whole group would laugh and anticipate her anecdote of the week. When we moved away in 2005, Pete was a BIG help. I've always looked forward to seeing Pete and Joanne's smiling faces when we visit the area. I will miss her terribly!
ReplyDeleteThe following comments were originally posted on the North County Times website, which is no longer available. Thank you all for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteMay 2, 2011
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne for the huge positive impact you had on my life. I hope that somehow you see this from where you are in Heaven
~
Rick Kent,
Austin, Texas
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteWhenever I saw her at a ball game she had a smile on her face and a big hello.She will be missed.
You have my sincerest condolences,
Wolfie
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteJoanne was such a good mentor and friend to me. She was always ready and willing to help others. She was an amazing teacher and person. She will always be remembered and missed. God Bless.
~
Dom Anguiano,
Bonsall, California
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteDear Joanne, We will miss you so very much.
Love,
Jim and Barb
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteAunt Joanne you were the best aunt and friend we could ever have known on this earth and we look forward to seeing you in heaven.
Love and kisses,
Julie & Judy
Joe & Jerry
Sarah & Erica xoxo
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteJoanne: I hope you light up your next life the way you brightened this one.
~
John Howard,
Encinitas, California
December 08, 2009
ReplyDeleteJoanne and I worked together many times at the annual Cyclo-Vet race registration table. We always laughed the whole time together. I knew I would have fun if Joanne was there. I'll always remember the smile on her beautiful face.
~
Kathleen Roth,
San Diego, California
December 09, 2009
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of meeting Joanne,when Pete performed the wedding for my daugher Tiffany and son-in-law Greg. She made quite an impression on me,with that wonderful smile. I didn't see her again until 9 years later at my daughter's baby shower, but it was just as if we were friends who talked all the time. You have my sincere, heartfelt sympathy. Make the Peace of God keep you all strong.
~
Cynthia Campbell,
Dallas, Texas
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeleteI never met Joanne or Pete, but I remember watching the coverage of RAAM as he did an amazing ride. I don't remember if I knew at the time how much a factor she was in is success.
4 years ago I lost my wife of 33 years. I know what Pete is going through. My heart goes out to him and all the family. Just remember Pete, if you know Jesus too, then it will only be "the blink of an eye" and you and Joanne will be together again, forever.
~
Henry Wollman,
Rocky, Oklahoma
December 10, 2009
ReplyDelete"I think cyclists tend to live more fully than the average person does. I find them to be passionate about life, passionate about their jobs, their lives, their relationships and I think that makes for really fun people to be with."
Joanne Penseyres
My niece Anna Davis and I had the pleasure of cycling with and getting to know Joanne and Pete on a Pac Tour tandem week in Arizona in 2006. Anna made a video documentary of the tour which includes a short interview with Joanne.
http://www.elandocumentary.com/pactour/
Click on "Tandem"
~
John Rohland,
Rumford, Rhode Island
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
~
paul silvestre,
maumelle, Arkansas
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeleteI will always treasure all the fond memories starting with the Senior Olympics race with Pete so many years and miles ago. Joanne was taking pictures and lending support even then. My thoughts are with Pete and family and Jim and family. Ride on.
~
Edward Lewis,
Thousand Oaks, California
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeletePete, Mike and I send our sincerest wishes of comfort to you as you make your way through this life without Joanne.
We admired her from the first time we met her in the late 80's when you all were doing RAAM. What a wonderful person. We'll always remember her welcoming smile.
~
Cindy Roark,
Fallbrook, California
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeleteWe first met Joanne when she and Pete were dating. She had a smile that could light up a room. (We knew that she and Pete had a special relationship when she gave Pete a box of bottle caps one year.) We know that she is sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Pete, Joanne and the rest of the family are in our prayers.
~
Bob&Judy Petrokas,
Los Gatos, California
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeletePete,
As friends from long ago, we're very sorry to learn of Joanne's passing. Our sincere condolences.
Rick & Sandi Verbanec
~
Rick Verbanec,
Pebble Beach, California
December 10, 2009
ReplyDeleteI remember meeting Joanne in 1983 and 1984 when she crewed for Pete and his brother Jim in the RAAM. She was a super star. My heart goes out to her family. With love and my prayers,
~
Kitty Goursolle,
San Ramon, California
December 11, 2009
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this extremely difficult time. I pray God will give you all peace.
~
Hugh McLarnon,
Ventura, California
December 11, 2009
ReplyDeleteI met Joanne through Bonsall Elementary school when my children attended school there. She encouraged me to volunteer to teach high school students to read and what a rewarding experience that was. She was so passionate about reading and connecting with the students...She was truly a one of a kind special mentor and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. God Bless
~
Angie Shuster,
Fallbrook, California
December 11, 2009
ReplyDeleteJoanne, you will always be in my heart. You taught me how to tie my shoes, how to ride a bike, along with daddy, and taught me how to share. I can't remember you ever not being wonderful and kind. I will miss you always, your little sister, Janette
~
Janette Love,
Rancho Cucamonga, California
December 12, 2009
ReplyDeleteWe met both Joanne and Pete in Ciclistas Capistrano. These were the beginning of our cycling adventures. Ellwood remembers traveling to races with Pete, but also remembers going to a bike race in the VW with Pete, Joanne and Kristie and sleeping on the ground in a park and then racing! We have fond memories of all the wonderful rides we took with you and Joanne. You both made some ice cream in a churn that was very memorable. We are so sorry that we missed the funeral but were not aware of it until 12/12/09.
~
Ellwood& Lyn Johnson,
San Juan Capistrano, California
December 12, 2009
ReplyDeleteHi Pete:
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in these difficult times. She was a great person and will be truely missed by us all
~
Joseph Vogelpohl,
Murrieta, California
December 12, 2009
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while there is someone so truly remarkable who touches so many lives in wonderful ways that you don't even have to have met them to be awed by them. Joanne was one of those. I'm sorry I didn't get to know her.
Kevin McNulty,
Ramona, California
December 13, 2009
ReplyDeletePete and Kristi, today's memorial service was a great remembrance and celebration of Joanne's life; Very well done. You are in our prayers. We thought today, Pete, of what a great mentoring experience you and Joanne were for us (and others we are sure) as we were married a few years after your wedding. You were an example of best friends who took care of each other. You enriched our lives and gave us an example of a good marriage. Keep in touch, especially on those days of adjustment that lie ahead.
~
Janet & Tom Clark,
Santa Monica, California
December 13, 2009
ReplyDeleteI remember all the happy times we spent together and will love you always.
Aunt Grace
~
Grace Sargent,
Jackson, Michigan
December 13, 2009
ReplyDeleteDeepest sympathy to you, Pete. We will keep you in our prayers.
~
Bob and Linda Simons,
San Marcos, California
December 14, 2009
ReplyDeleteour condolences to pete and everyone
mike and phyllis notorangelo
nicole notorangelo
michael notorangelo
December 24, 2009
ReplyDeleteJust a note to say what wonderful memories I will always have of Joanne. I will always remember her as charming and friendly, a great team leader, an accomplished tactician, a problem solver and one of the most delightful people I have ever known . My thanks to all the Penseyres for the life long memories afforded by the opportunity to participate with you and Joanne as a RAAM crew member.
~
Roger Balling,
Santa Ana, California
Joanne, Pete and I met in 1966. I remember our first adventure was dune buggying in Pismo Beach. We have kept in touch all these years. I deeply regret that I did not call when I did not receive a Christmas card in 2009 and 2010. Thank you so much, Pete, for contacting me. Reading all these comments just reinforces how special Joanne was. May she finally be at peace.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janey
Danbury, CT