Joan C. Thomas

After 15 years coping with early-onset Alzheimer's, Joan C. Thomas, 65, died Thursday, August 2nd. Through it all Joan showed how strong and resilient she was.

Born in Paris, France and raised in Chicago and New York, she was a longtime resident of Cuyahoga Falls. Joan was a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and earned a Master's Degree from The University of Akron. For 27 years Joan helped her husband Tim run Thomas Chrysler Jeep. Prior to establishing Joan Thomas Training Consultant, she ran the Foster Grandparent Program for the Akron Summit Community Action Agency. She was also past president of Women's Network and ASTD. Joan was a skier, world traveler and dancer. She was a positive, fun, energetic person and taught her daughters to laugh and enjoy life.

Preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Jack Smith and her husband of 37 years, Tim Thomas, Joan is survived by daughter, Jennifer Thomas (Gerald McAleece), daughter, Erika Thomas (Chad Stutz) and grandson, Grayson Stutz. She is also survived by sister, Michele Smith (David Weinberg); brothers, Kirk (Melissa) Smith, Allan (Jill) Smith, Bruce (Ellen) Smith; and extended family.

In celebration of Joan's life, calling hours will be SATURDAY, AUGUST 18th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., followed by a 5 p.m. memorial service. The family suggests donations to the Akron Alzheimer's Association, 70 W. Streetsboro Rd., Hudson, Ohio 44236.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)