Joan Kennethena Reiderman

Joan Reiderman, 79, of San Antonio passed away on 21 July 2013. She was born in London, England on 27 April 1934. She leaves behind her husband of more than fifty years, Mark, her children Chris, Debra, Paul and Sara, and her grandchildren Mark, Danielle, Claire, Helen and Natasha. Joan lived a full and varied life bringing joy to the lives of her family and the many friends she made and kept in the three countries she lived in during her lifetime. One of London’s real “Eastenders” she survived the wartime blitz and later became a GI bride, marrying Richard, moving to the US and starting a family. After her marriage ended she returned to England, eventually meeting and marrying another Londoner, Mark to whom she remained a devoted wife. While raising a young family she trained as a nurse and pursued this career in England until her retirement. She saw life as an adventure to be discovered, shared and enjoyed. Joan was convinced that we are masters of our own destiny, that we can change course, plan new futures and set about realizing them. So, after a life of work she and Mark made a new life in the south of Spain. Eleven happy years later, Joan had made many friends, learned Spanish and walked the dogs many a mile along Spanish beaches. However, it was time to move on and time to spend lost time with loved ones. In 2000 San Antonio became her new home. Charmed by the warmth of the Texas welcome, she made good friends quickly and appreciated their company more than she had the chance to tell them. Six years ago she had a brush with death that she survived because of her determination and the great skill and care of the medical team led by Dr. McCall. Every subsequent year was a gift enjoyed fully. Her family are left heartbroken that she has now left us, but grateful for those extra years. We cannot believe that she has gone but we know that she would want us to carry on living our lives as she lived hers – with a sense of fun, with a sense of adventure and with a smile.

SERVICES:
Friends are invited to a celebration of her life to be held at her daughter’s house (6606 Lazyridge Drive) on Sunday 4 August from 2pm onwards. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that any donations be made to the Humane Society of San Antonio.