Obituary for Joanna Ward Rosales (Ward)
Joanna Ward Rosales formerly known as Walter Ward. Known as Nini or Api to close family and friends. Born May 28, 1982 in San Diego, CA. Died May 9, 2022 in San Francisco at 39 years of age. In 1987, moved to Eastchester, NY and attended the Eastchester schools there from Kindergarten to graduating in 2001. Diagnosed with cancer at the age 14 years old and again as an adult in 2017.
Went to San Diego City College, CA but had to transfer due to poor health to Westchester Community College where had earned an Associate’s Degree in Business and was inducted into 3 Honor societies and awarded a scholarship into a special program at Cambridge University in England. Later moved to Silicon Valley, CA and attended DeAnza College and worked as a tutor. Was two classes shy of getting a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before getting sick. Was a Christian with a personal relationship with God. Always remembered as kind, nonjudgmental and compassionate person. Had a special love for family, friends, strangers and those who were downtrodden. Volunteer spokesperson for Make-A-Wish foundation and volunteered time to the homeless. Loved playing guitar in a band or solo. Played at church for many years and helped with the sound and video for their services. Liked different genres of music such as 80’s and Metallica. Composed new songs. Was very passionate and innovative with ideas for environmentalism and conservation. Left to cherish Nini’s memory are the parents Betty Lou and Michael Ward. Three sisters; Betty Lou (Drew) Marcheschi, Sara (Ismael) Ramirez and Michelle (Stephen) Toretta and step-sister Anne Perez. Along with many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and many close friends who were considered family.
Is predeceased by maternal grandparents Sara Tamayo and Jose Ortiz and; paternal grandparents Florence Rieschick and; Robert Ward, great Uncle George and; great Aunt Eleanor Kohlman, great Uncle Walter and; great Aunt Marmae Rieschick and their son cousin Kurt. Also predeceased by his good friend Joe Dionisio. We are celebrating a touching life on May 27th from 5pm to 6:30p at Westchester Funeral Home, 190 Main Street, Eastchester, NY 10707. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation https://wish.org/ and True Colors United. https://truecolorsunited.org/
Went to San Diego City College, CA but had to transfer due to poor health to Westchester Community College where had earned an Associate’s Degree in Business and was inducted into 3 Honor societies and awarded a scholarship into a special program at Cambridge University in England. Later moved to Silicon Valley, CA and attended DeAnza College and worked as a tutor. Was two classes shy of getting a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before getting sick. Was a Christian with a personal relationship with God. Always remembered as kind, nonjudgmental and compassionate person. Had a special love for family, friends, strangers and those who were downtrodden. Volunteer spokesperson for Make-A-Wish foundation and volunteered time to the homeless. Loved playing guitar in a band or solo. Played at church for many years and helped with the sound and video for their services. Liked different genres of music such as 80’s and Metallica. Composed new songs. Was very passionate and innovative with ideas for environmentalism and conservation. Left to cherish Nini’s memory are the parents Betty Lou and Michael Ward. Three sisters; Betty Lou (Drew) Marcheschi, Sara (Ismael) Ramirez and Michelle (Stephen) Toretta and step-sister Anne Perez. Along with many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and many close friends who were considered family.
Is predeceased by maternal grandparents Sara Tamayo and Jose Ortiz and; paternal grandparents Florence Rieschick and; Robert Ward, great Uncle George and; great Aunt Eleanor Kohlman, great Uncle Walter and; great Aunt Marmae Rieschick and their son cousin Kurt. Also predeceased by his good friend Joe Dionisio. We are celebrating a touching life on May 27th from 5pm to 6:30p at Westchester Funeral Home, 190 Main Street, Eastchester, NY 10707. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation https://wish.org/ and True Colors United. https://truecolorsunited.org/