Monday, August 2, 2021
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My deepest and most sincere condolences to Bob, Linda, and Bob Jr and all of Joanie’s family. I had the great good fortune of working with Joanie at the USPS, Material Distribution Center. I moved up to the offices as an Inventory Control Clerk/Customer Service Rep in my late 20’s. I was a novice.... shy and completely green. I was greeted by a petite lady with a beautiful smile and a sparkle in her eyes. It was Joanie..... or as I called her - “My Joanie.” My Joanie was a smart, saavy, kindhearted, inspiring, funny, and a gracious lady. I canNOT believe that I will not get one of Joanie’s phone calls. Even though we are both retired and I no longer live in Jersey.... Joanie always made sure to call me throughout the year. I couldn’t imagine why I hadn’t heard from Joanie at the holidays and I let time get away from me. I had to try and get Joanie’s phone number and in my search, I found this obituary. My heart shattered and I immediately began to cry.... scaring my husband and my twins. I just cannot imagine a world without Joanie Zylstra in it. It’s not possible. My father-in-law also worked at the MDC and remembered Joanie from the “old days” at the GSA. He always called Joanie “the little firecracker.” He was right. She had a way of embracing people and caught them up in her sparkle. Joanie taught me EVERYTHING I came to know about being an excellent Inventory Control Clerk. Professional, respectful, helpful, a bit silly, and knowledgeable. She kept that upstairs office running with every ounce of her spirited energy.... she was contagious..... her and her little rose-colored suit. (A comfort outfit) I’m 5’10” and I’d tease Joanie about being a 5’ little leprechaun. I’d laugh as Joanie would huff and puff at me about her true height. It was fun to get to wind her up! We smiled and laughed a lot in that office. My favorite thing to do to Joanie was to sing the first line of an old song and then stop. We couldn’t have that. My Joanie would break into song and finish the rest of it. I would do it over and over again, day in and day out. Joanie wouldn’t skip a beat - she’d sing the rest of the song. The entire song. She’d ask me why I’d do that to her? I knew what she would do! She’d sing. Joanie gave me my penance - I’d have to dance to the song, “Tequila,” ala PeeWee Herman. For my Joanie, I’d happily do it. Joanie would clap and laugh. I was given the sweetest, most endearing nickname by Joanie. I became “Janetta BooBoo.” Actually, I was Janetta BooBoo 2. Jan, Joanie’s late daughter, was the one and only original. Joanie loved her family beyond words - she would always speak with admiration and love for you, Bob (and the Maroe Inn. Joanie made me try the frog’s legs.). Bob was forever her Sweetheart. Her love and pride for Linda, Janet, and Robert Jr was immeasurable. I can remember when her grandchildren, (especially Stephanie) were born and Joanie, the Grandma, walked on air..... and GREAT Grandma flew high and happy. Joanie worried for ‘her Linda.’ Joanie would take care to help Linda wherever and whenever she could. Joanie always commented how strong you are, Linda. Jan had the same smile and bubbly spirit of her Mom. I’d love it when Jan and I would be in the same room.... things could grow quite humorous and Joanie would flash us that “you’d-better-stop-kidding-around” look. Janetta
BooBoo 1 and 2 would laugh uncontrollably. It was a favorite moment for me. Bob Jr was her pride and joy. She had great hopes for Bob Jr following in his Dad’s footsteps.... and she burst with happiness when you, Bob Jr, surpassed all her hopes and dreams. My heart is still broken and it’s taken me 2 weeks to work up the courage and strength to write this. I want my phone to ring.... I’ve been willing it to ring. I long to hear Joanie’s voice lovingly and kiddingly winding me up and keep me laughing. I love you, my Joanie. I’m so happy and grateful that I got to say you were my friend and mentor. You taught me so much about life, with a gentle and loving hand. I can’t believe how much time has passed since we first met. You made me a better person, Joanie. I would turn back the hands of time for another moment with you. I know you are spreading your sparkle in heaven, with Janetta BooBoo 1, walking beside you. You’ll be singing with the angels and God will be smiling with joy. Please know how much I love and appreciate you, Joanie, and your humor, your patience, your dedication, your insights. I will forever owe you and appreciate you helping a very wide-eyed, insecure young girl make wise choices about her life and job. Now my world feels a bit smaller without you in it, Joanie....
“smile though your heart is aching.... smile even though it’s breaking....”
C’mon Joanie..... you can finish singing it.
