JONI LYNN (BROWN) WOODWARD

Joni Lynn (Brown) Woodward died unexpectedly on Aug. 19, 2012. Although she suffered from diabetes and kidney disease for many years, she was a cancer survivor and was determined to live her life to the fullest.

Joni was born to E. Darlene (McDonnell) Brown and the late Lewis D. Brown, in Watertown, Wis., on Jan. 26, 1956.

She grew up in Duluth and graduated from East High School in 1974. Joni was confirmed at First United Methodist Church, in Duluth.

In her youth, Joni was a member of Girl Scouts for 10 years and was a Majority Member of Job's Daughters, Bethel 72. She was also active in theater in Thailand and at Duluth East high School. Joni was active in Beta Sigma Phi for many years and she was past President of Seaway Council. She had also volunteered at the Grandma's Half Marathon since 1988.

Joni worked as a home care aide for St. Louis County Social Services, a Nurse Aide in S.I.C.U. at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital and with United Healthcare for the last 20 years.

Joni and John E. Woodward married July 24, 1999, in Duluth. They met on the ore boat Mesabi Miner and were very happily married for 13 years. Joni loved gardening, crafting, children and cats. Although she didn't have children of her own, she was involved in the lives of many children including, Jenna, Brandon, Payton, Isabelle and Jonathan.

Joni was preceded in death by her father, Lewis D. Brown; grandparents, Virgil D. and Violet B. (Barton) McDonnell and Charles C.L. and Gladys B. (Clinkenbeard) Brown; and four footed friends, Scatcat and Skitcat.

She is survived by her husband, John E. of Duluth; mother, E. Darlene Brown of Duluth; sisters, Vicki L. Boyer of Milwaukee, Wis., Patty L. (Larry) Villars and Kristi L. Brown all of Duluth, Darci L. (Richard) Wutz of Menomonee Falls, Wis.; and a brother, William D. Brown of Duluth; niece, Serena L. Brown and nephew, Michael D. Brown both of Duluth; and furry friends, Pistol and Girl.

VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. celebration of Joni's life Saturday, Sept. 22, in First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Skyline Pkwy. If you would like, donations may be made th the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, 624-5200

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