Joanna P. Netelbeek's Obituary
Joanna P Netelbeek, 93, passed away Monday July 8, 2024, from melanoma.
She was born August 20, 1930, in Thessaloniki, Greece to Dimitrios and Antoinetta Daskalopoulos. Joanna received her education in Greece becoming proficient in numerous foreign languages and received teaching degrees in English and French. She met and fell in love with her husband, Theodore A (Ton) Netelbeek, while she was teaching at the Greek American Cultural Institute. They were married in Greece and moved to the US in 1959. As a couple they made a commitment for Joanna to visit Greece at least every other summer.
Aside from being a homemaker, her many interests included travel, bridge, reading, Greek dancing, swimming, snorkeling and attending the opera. Joanna contributed many volunteer hours at various hospitals. She was very active in and enjoyed the Greek Philoptochos Society and was an avid bridge player with the Petroleum and Mining Wives Club.
Due to Ton’s job as an exploration geologist for Kennecott they moved to several western states and internationally. The move to Australia was one she especially cherished. She developed and maintained lifelong friends in Greece and all the places she lived thereafter.
Joanna had a knack of developing a unique bond with everyone she met. To her children, grandchildren and close friends, she was lovingly known as “George”. Her positive attitude, “friendly” demeanor and sense of humor are how she forged these relationships.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore A (Ton) Netelbeek.
“George” is survived by her sons Peter (Diane) Netelbeek and Dimitri (Mitzi) Netelbeek, her daughter Ann (Peter) Cornish, here grandchildren Austin (Aerial Turner) Netelbeek, Brayden (Eleni Shenk) Netelbeek, Rachelle Netelbeek, Tessa (Travis) Barton, Daniel Netelbeek, Ryan Netelbeek, Ian (Kayla) Cornish, James (Jordan) Cornish and great granddaughter, Parker Cornish.
For the past six years she lived at Sunrise Senior Living (Highland Drive), whose caring, dedicated staff made her feel comfortable in her new home.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Huntsman Hospice who provided nursing support, specifically Danielle, Kina and London. We would also like to recognize the Right At Home caregivers, who provided supportive round the clock care for the final months.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Philoptochos Society of either Prophet Elias Church or Holy Trinity Cathedral.
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