Joanne Theresa Sands

Joanne Theresa Sands went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on November 8, 2023 with her loving husband (Thomas) of 48 years and her precious daughter (Melissa Anne Smith) by her side.  Surviving relatives include her son-in-law (Brian Smith) and her three angels, grandson (Matthew Brian Smith) and granddaughters (Gabrielle Anne Smith and Danielle Theresa Smith); Joanne’s brother (James Dudek) and her sister-in-law (Kathy Dudek); brother-in-law (Richard Sands) and sister-in-law (Mary Sands); and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joanne was preceded in death by her loving sister-in-law (Geraldine Fleckenstein) and brother-in-law (John Fleckenstein).     

Joanne was born April 13, 1955 to James and Theresa Dudek in Baltimore, Maryland.  She was a graduate of The Catholic High School and The College of Notre Dame.  After graduating with a BS in accounting, she worked at Arthur F. Bell, Jr. and Associates as a manager, taking on large international tax cases.  Prior to completing her education, she stayed home to raise her daughter and gave her time as a catechist and vacation bible school instructor at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Fallston, Girl Scout Troop leader, and school volunteer at Youth’s Benefit Elementary and Fallston Middle School.  In addition, she traveled to and attended all of Melissa’s sporting events, supporting her as one of her biggest fans, along with Tom.    

Joanne’s life was centered around her grandchildren and her Catholic faith.  Joanne loved to crochet, needlepoint, garden, walk, read, and to make sure that every holiday and birthday was a special occasion for her family.  She cooked delicious meals for every occasion and baked the most wonderful Christmas cookies, cakes, and pies.  When she found out that she was going to be a grandmother, she was so elated that her and Tom moved to Olney to be with her grandchildren.  While Melissa and Brian went to the office for work, she walked every morning to their house to care for the children and filled every day with hugs, love, and laughter. Her work didn’t stop with the daily care of the children, she enjoyed every holiday event with them like trick-or-treat, breakfast with Santa, and Easter egg hunts as well as trips to the library or to run errands, just to name a few.

Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Joanne’s life at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Olney, MD on November 16, 2023.  Viewing at the church will take place from 10am-11am followed by a mass of celebration at 11am.  Internment will take place at Norbeck Memorial Park in Olney, MD following mass.   

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