Our vibrant, extraordinary, unforgettable Joni Rose left us shockingly and suddenly on Tuesday, September 10. Her ailing heart failed during what was to be a fairly routine medical procedure. While she fought valiantly to stay with us, especially her husband, Beau and 5-year old son Jacob, it was not to be.
Joni Rose came into this world in dramatic fashion. Born in Kemmerer, Wyoming on a frigid night in January 1979, she was the first child born to parents Dennis and Angela Cartwright. She was delivered via emergency c-section by an Evanston surgeon who would have to crawl under a train blocking the only road to the hospital. This was the catalyst for her all too brief journey...
Joni practiced just one philosophy: ALL IN! She brought energy, flair, creativity, style and a wicked sense of humor to every occasion. A gathering just wasn't as fun until Joni showed up. She had the best one-liners, nicknames for those close to her and she could recite lines from her favorite movies with the perfect accent or drawl.
Joni was a doer. She would get a good idea, make a plan and then spearhead every detail to see it to fruition. Whether it was our next family trip, girl's weekend, savvy six dinner or cousin playdates, you often felt encouraged to "stand back" as Joni was three steps ahead of everyone else in what needed to be done.
Joni was a licensed cosmetologist and had a talent for cut and color.. Anyone who knew Joni knew that her hair was her crown. She was a true girly girl; passionate and opinionated about clothes, perfume, purses, funky jewelry, and music. But she was also a Denver Broncos fan and made up nicknames for opposing players while yelling at the games on television.
Joni and Beau are yin and yang. She the fiery, out-going dreamer and Beau, the quiet, pragmatic realist. They ached to be parents for many years, and it was only after adopting two Scottie dogs, Skye and Argyle, that their son was born. Jacob idolized her and basked in the sunlight of her mother-bear energy. He flourished in her presence and she in his..
Joni created a warm, inviting sanctuary for her family, decorating her home with family heirlooms, photos and a design flair she inherited from her Grandma Shumway.. Her kind smile attracted people to her, but it was her clever wit that surrounded her with friends. She was always ready to give of herself and to make others feel important.
Joni loved big. She valued her family history, legacy and connection. She relished playing mother hen to twin sisters Alecia and Andrea. She expressed her love through her excellent cooking, personalized gifts and always seemed to know what to do to comfort anyone who was struggling, She offered instant acceptance and made you feel that you could share your secrets with her.
Friends and family will gather in her honor on Friday, September 20th at 11:00 AM at Le Jardin, 1910 East Dimple Dell Road. Please bring your memories to share with us and with Jacob for the years he faces ahead without her..
On the night you were born
The moon smiled with such wonder
That the stars peeked in to see you
And the night wind whispered
"Life will never be the same"
