Contributions to the tribute of Joanie Epstein

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Mike and Jami Vigil planted 3 trees in memory of Joanie Epstein

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

3 trees were planted in memory of
Joanie Epstein

With deepest sympathy, Gary and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Lisa Carlson and Brad Emerick pledged to donate to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

In Honor of Joanie Epstein.

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Joseph Pless uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, July 23, 2022

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Just a few shots of our beloved Joanie as a young lass. Very happy times for sure. There are some movie clips to share as well.

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Lisa Carlson posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, July 22, 2022

Deepest condolences to Gary and Family. Really loved seeing all of the photos of your adventures and reading such a wonderful tribute to Joanie’s life. I remember meeting Joanie at the Lockheed Martin parties and enjoyed talking with her about New Orleans and agility training – she inspired us to start taking our dogs to agility training. Joanie was lovely and will be missed. So sorry to hear of her passing.

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Cynthia Hudy posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, July 21, 2022

My heartfelt condolences to Gary and family. I know that Joanie meant a lot to all that knew her. Stay strong, Gary - we are with you! -- Cynthia, Lockheed Martin colleague and fellow dog-lover

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Pam & Ken Bloom pledged to donate to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Dear Gary- Sending thoughts of comfort during this sad time! Thinking of you... Pam & Kenny

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Cheryl Fiscelli lit a candle

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

My condolence to the family, my thoughts are with you. I have known Joan since MI, we met at the Ann Arbor Dog Club where, we in classes together and I used to run her little Koa and I had my first agility dog who was a nut, Giuseppe. When we moved to Colorado Joan was there to introduce me to the Colorado agility community. We spent many of weekends together and supported each other with all of the ups and downs with our pups, always loved watching Joan run her dogs. Joan will be missed and will always be in my thoughts. Miss you Joan

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Jim Becia planted a tree in memory of Joanie Epstein

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

With deepest sympathy,

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Spencer Rubin posted a symbolic gesture

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Aunt Joanie was a kind soul and we bonded on our love for dogs and good food. I loved seeing all her crafts and arts displayed at her and Gary's home. She'll be missed.

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Margie uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

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No words can express the deep sorrow that possesses me at the loss of my sister, Joan. So unexpected, it hit like a brick wall. I love reading about the wonderful stories of her kindness, compassion, humor and the fun-loving side expressed by all on this tribute site, and I thank each and every one of you for your friendship and love. Your words are a comfort to me. And Gary, you have been her lifelong love, companion and co-adventurer, and I know that your love and attention to her every need brought such joy to Joan. Your devotion to each other lives on, as are the memories of her. While it is indeed true that Joan had to endure the ups and downs of a debilitating (at times) chronic illness, she has always managed to find the joy in everything she did, no matter how small it may have seemed. She surrounded herself with good, caring and fun people and enjoyed going on various adventures. She was very creative, especially as a seamstress and costume designer. She had a lifelong love of creating her own Halloween costumes (even though as kids we were not allowed to go trick or treating until my mother finally caved in). That talent well-prepared her for graduation to the “big” league costume designs for Mardi Gras! And she loved travel, as you can see by the many beautiful photos that Gary has posted. And she was loved by so many people. Our mother, who, G-d rest her soul, died in February 2019, loved her dearly. Yes, Joan and mom butted heads frequently, but there was always deep caring and love. Mom would always tell stories of how friendly and precocious Joan was a child, singing all the verses of a song at 18 months old! Sometimes to me as well, she seemed older beyond her years in her perspective and common sense. Yes, she will be missed. Love you, Joan. Margie

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Mary Dougherty posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

I love seeing all the photos. Thanks for sharing, Gary. That’s the smile I’ll always remember.

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Patricia Fazio lit a candle

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

I met Joanie when we were both in college in Pennsylvania. Joanie went on to live in Louisiana, Florida, Michigan and Colorado. I visited Joanie at each state. We had 46 years of friendship. I miss you Joanie.

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Gary Epstein uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

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Patricia Fazio Posted Jul 19, 2022 at 2:29 PM

Wonderful adventures you had together.

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gary epstein uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

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Marjorie McDermott Posted Jul 19, 2022 at 4:23 PM

Love this picture - Joan looks like a beaming, proud, mom!

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Vickie Marie posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Joanie was a gentle soul who always had a smile for everyone. She was an enthusiastic agility competitor who made each trial happier. I'll miss her.

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Chirag Patel posted a symbolic gesture

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

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Chirag Patel Posted Jul 19, 2022 at 9:25 AM

Thanks for sharing Joanie's pictures - lot of fun times together!!

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Mary Dougherty posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

My thoughts and prayers sent to Gary and family. Joanie will be dearly missed by the agility community. Joanie and her dogs loved the game. I admired how well trained her dogs were and the time and dedication she put into the sport. I believe she will be looking down on us all with her big smile. You are missed, Joanie. Mary Dougherty

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Amy Galperin posted a condolence

Monday, July 18, 2022

Joanne was a smiling face every morning at the agility trial, showing up early for good parking spot and crating. No matter how tried she felt due to medical challenges she volunteered to help the trials run smoothly. she was a supportive competitor in agility sharing in the successes of others. And always ready for a positive word. I will greatly miss her presence at our trials.

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Mona Rinnander posted a condolence

Monday, July 18, 2022

My condolences and sympathy to Joanie's husband, Gary and family. Joanie recognized my speech as it's so different than others when she was first trialing with Toonie. She stopped me at agility trial and asked me, "Where are you from?" My replied was, "Mars". She laughed so hard. I sat down next to her and explained to her I have hearing impaired. She told me she was a speech therapist for the children. I was impressed. I miss her runs with Jasper and how good she was. We became friends and used emails often. Last I received her email was just a few days before she passed. Oh God, I'll miss setting up our crates and equipment next to each other at agility trials. Joanie, thank you for being my friend. Mona Rinnander

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Gary Epstein uploaded photo(s)

Monday, July 18, 2022

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Gary Epstein posted a condolence

Monday, July 18, 2022

Some of the tributes from dog agility community: She was one of the most cheerful, pleasant, friendly individuals I've ever met. A great loss to the agility community. I, too, am sorry to hear of Joanie’s passing. Wish I had also told her how much I appreciated her volunteering at trials, when she may not have been feeling well. Wish I had congratulated her more on her runs with her dear, cute Sheltie companions. Wish she could hear all of our comments now. So many wonderful comments and memories for our friend at this sad news. Joanie and her shelties will be missed. She was the sweetest person and always helpful at trials. I will miss her. Joanie and her Shelties will be greatly missed by the Colorado agility community. She was a shinning example of how to pursue your passion and not let life get you down . Despite her disability, she brought her dogs to the trials to play with a smile on her face, and was willing to help in anyway she could. Joanie was always there and kind to everyone. She was one of the first people I met when I started trialing here in CO, always friendly, helpful, and loved her dogs. Joanie was such a kind person She was so encouraging to me at my first few agility trials. I’ll miss seeing her smiling face. Joanie was a true dog person. Kind always volunteering and stepping up when needed. My sympathies to her family whom I know will miss her immensely Our agility community will have a hole in it from her loss. I was in a few classes with her and she was always very nice. The one thing that sticks with me is how fiercely she loved her dogs. She was always willing to help in any way she could. We all loved her and will miss her greatly. The agility community has lost a great member. Joanie was such a special person, so genuine, caring, positive, and encouraging. I always enjoyed seeing her in class and at trials. I will miss her so much. Joanie was such a lovely and positive person both in agility classes and at trials. Joanie had a kind heart and was always willing to work as much as she was able. I'll dearly miss her. Joanie was always one of bright faces. With whom I also sought out at trails to sit and chat with. I am saddened she won’t be there with her sweet shelties when I return to agility. and so many more....

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The family of Joanie Epstein uploaded a photo

Monday, July 18, 2022

Joanie Epstein

1956 - 2022