Lasting Memories

Joni Denise Woodside
Feb. 12, 1955-April 4, 2018
Atherton, California

JONI LARAWAY WOODSIDE passed away peacefully at her home in Atherton on April 4th after a brief battle with cancer. Her beloved husband, Jack, and sister, Leslie, were by her side.

Born in San Jose on February 12, 1955, Joni grew up in Santa Clara and Menlo Park and graduated from Woodside High School in 1973. She went on to study dentistry at the Lawton School for Dental Assistants, graduating in 1974. After working for over 20 years in the field of dentistry, she retired to pursue her passion for animals, especially dogs. Joni volunteered with two German Shepherd rescue groups. She also gave much of her time to helping the Silicon Valley Humane Society, nursing injured dogs back to health in her home. She often cared for pregnant animals before and after delivery, raising their litters until they were old enough for adoption. Some of the dogs had previous behavioral problems, so she used her special touch for training them until they were ready for placement with the right family. Several of these dogs, both big and small, managed to find a permanent residence with Jack and Joni in their home.

In addition to her work with animals, Joni volunteered with Treasures Resale Shop in Menlo Park, which benefitted Hospice Pathways Foundation; she managed the shop for some time. For over 20 years. Joni was also an active and valued member of the Redwood City YMCA, regularly swimming laps, doing yoga and laughing with friends.

Joni will be missed for her joyful spirit and vibrant zest for life. She had a special gift for connecting with people with her wonderful sense of humor and huge, contagious laugh. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her thoughtfulness, generosity and genuine interest in helping others.

Joni is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jack Woodside, her sister, Leslie Pentecost (Rick) of Boring, Oregon and her brother, Brian Laraway (Eve) of Redwood City. She was predeceased by her parents, Chuck and Diana Laraway, of Menlo Park. In addition, Joni leaves behind 5 nephews: Eric Pentecost (Sarah) of San Diego, Ted Pentecost (Brandy) of Happy Valley, Oregon, Jason Clark (Melissa) of Santa Rosa, Jeremy Clark (Stephanie) of Redwood City, and Jay Bordeleau (Jake) of San Francisco, as well as 4 nieces: Beth Ann Foster (Arron) of Sandy, Oregon, Marie Bordeleau of San Rafael, Christine Vellani (Paul) of Blacklick, Ohio, and Kelley Capizano (Brian) of Discovery Bay, California.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19th at 1 p.m., Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Road at Cambridge, Menlo Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Pathways Foundation, Mid Peninsula or the American Cancer Society.

From Jeremy Clark
May 16, 2018

Miss you and your amazing laugh Joni

From Jeremy Clark
May 16, 2018

Miss you and your amazing laugh Joni

From Kelley Clark Capizano
May 16, 2018

No words could ever do Aunt Joni justice. She had the most vibrant soul, the most compassionate & generous heart, the most hilarious sense of humor (& biggest laugh!). Joni was the most down-to-earth person I've ever known & lovingly guided me through some of the most turbulent moments of my life with a wisdom that I am still in awe of. I aspire to be like Joni in so many ways. My heart aches for our loss of such an incredible woman, but I am relieved that her beautiful spirit is free of her ill body. I’m sure she’s laughing like crazy in heaven with my Dad, her parents and every animal she ever loved. ????????????????????????????