Joan Patricia Jones

Joan (JoAnn) Patricia Jones (Graika), a retired Registered Nurse and longtime Alaska resident, peacefully passed away on November 21, 2023, at Marlow Manor Assisted Living Center in Anchorage, surrounded by her loving family.Born as Joan Patricia Jordan to Patrick and Helen Jordan on June 1, 1933 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Joan spent her early years on a farm in Byron, Minnesota, as the second of four children. In 1942, the family sold the farm and moved to Rochester due to employment opportunities for her father. Joan commonly shared fond memories of her childhood in Rochester and the early years of growing up on the farm including riding a family horse to the country school with her older brother Bob.Joan graduated from St. Francis Nursing College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1954. In August 1963, she and her husband Carmen and three young sons, John, Don, and Gary, relocated to Anchorage. A fourth son, Scott, joined the family in 1964. In 1982, Joan married her second husband, Fred Jones, they shared 41 loving and fun filled years together residing in Soldotna, Alaska. Together they traveled extensively in Alaska and throughout the lower 48 in their motor home, commonly caravanning with their good friends, Rodney (Chris) and Kathy Christianson.Dedicating nearly 50 years to nursing in Alaska, Joan touched the lives of many with her unwavering commitment to providing medical support, comfort, and a warm personality to many people in need. Her "can do" Alaska spirit and the loving glow she carried resonated with those she cared for.Beyond her professional life, Joan was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. A devout follower of the Catholic religion, she instilled the values of Christianity and hard work in her children and those around her.Joan Patricia Jones leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and love. Joan is survived by her husband Fred Jones; son Don (Gwynn) and their sons; Gage, Casey (Emily), Skylar, and Braedon (Elle). Son Gary and daughter Robin. Son Scott (Patricia) and son Justin. Joan is also survived by one sibling, youngest sister Theresa Sacket of Rochester MN. Lastly, Joan is survived by 8 beautiful greatgrandchildren. Joan was predeceased by her beloved oldest son John, and survived by daughter in law (Pam) and their three children, Michelle (Blake), Jason (Tara), and Eric (Nicole).She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she loved and served.A memorial service to celebrate Joan's life will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (2901 Huffman Road) at 2pm Friday, February 9th, 2024. The service will include a Mass and celebration of life.