Joanna Stedman
Dec. 20, 1920-April 11, 2015
Palo Alto, California

Joanna Stedman, 94, died peacefully in her sleep at home on April 11.

Born in Amsterdam, Joanna, along with her brother and parents, came to North America at an early age to join other relatives who had made the journey and spent three years in British Columbia before becoming United States citizens. They moved to the Bay Area, and Joanna spent the rest of her life here, spreading kindness and joy to all those she met.

Joanna met Milton Stedman in high school; after his return from World War II service, they were married and lived in San Francisco. After three boys were born, it was clear that the growing family needed additional space, so they moved to an interim home in Colma. While living there, a neighbor told them of an appealing new subdivision, Walnut Gardens, in Palo Alto, which struck them as the perfect place for raising a family. They moved into this home in 1952. It was in this same house that Joanna lived for the next 63 years.

Joanna and Milton became dedicated members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Palo Alto. She attended regularly and was active in church activities throughout her life. She was also an avid reader and supporter of Palo Alto public library, where she worked for many years.

Joanna touched many lives over the years with her generosity and warmth. She spent many hours volunteering for local charities, as well as at her beloved church. She opened her home to anyone who was in need of human kindness. Most of all, she practiced her love for humanity without hesitation, judgment or prejudice, applying the same rule of universal caring and acceptance to everyone she encountered.

Joanna loved the outdoors and until her early 90s was frequently seen strolling the many streets and parks of Palo Alto, having a quick "hello" or extended chat with all those she encountered.

We will miss Joanna more than words can express.