JoAnn Jander

JoAnn Jander, 85, passed away, peacefully, on Sunday, July 5 in Waco, Texas.
JoAnn was the only child born to Gus and Hazel Phillips of Clifton, Texas on September 17, 1934.  She graduated from Waco High School. She married Clarence Jander on July 25, 1953.  They had two children and were members of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Waco and later, Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch.

JoAnn was a devoted member of her church and especially enjoyed being involved in her women’s groups with so many of her dear friends. She worked as a secretary for Coca Cola Co. and several local churches.  She loved music, played piano and organ, enjoyed cooking, sewing, laughing, entertaining friends and weekend family camping trips. She was a wonderful wife to Clarence and they made many great memories, traveling, going dancing, volunteering at church and spending time with family and friends. In 1999, when Clarence was diagnosed with brain cancer, JoAnn stood bravely by his side and cared for him until his death March 16, 2000. JoAnn loved being a mother and enjoyed being active in the lives of her son, Steve, and daughter, Sherry.  She always had pictures and stories about her children to share with everyone she met.  As much as she loved being a mother, JoAnn would probably tell you that one of her favorite things in life was being a “Nanny” to her grandchildren.  Each one had a special place in her heart and she cherished every moment she had with them.

On August 29, 2009, JoAnn married Robert (Bob) Easterday of Marble Falls, Texas and they resided in Hewitt. JoAnn and Bob enjoyed participating in the many activities at their assisted living facility including being on the chair volleyball team!  They enjoyed going to church and to the mall shopping.  JoAnn loved being active and going places so when she couldn’t walk due to her arthritis, she used her scooter and never slowed down.  Unfortunately, JoAnn suffered a stroke three years ago that left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to care for herself.  She and Bob moved to a skilled nursing facility in Waco.  With the love and support of her husband Bob, along with family and friends, JoAnn faced her difficulties with faith, courage and grace. She and Bob were blessed with many happy days together.  When the nursing homes were ordered to shelter in place, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the months of isolation took a toll on her. She and Bob desperately missed visits from their family and friends. In the last weeks, her daughter, Sherry was allowed one visit, which greatly lifted her spirits.

JoAnn is survived by husband Bob Easterday, her son, Steve Jander of Costa Rica, daughter Sherry Carriere and son-in-law, John Carriere of Hewitt, and grandchildren, Elizabeth Sekora of Waco, Tara Sekora and her husband Ben of Dallas, Alexandra Featherston and husband Ronnie of Houston, and Shawn Carriere and wife Andrea of Alabama.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Badger Ranch on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., Inurnment will follow at Waco Memorial Park .  Memorial donations may be made in her memory to The Humane Society of Central Texas or Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch.