Mary JoAn Woodward

Mary JoAn Woodward (nee: Mainard), born on April 1, 1934, in Antlers, Oklahoma, peacefully departed this world at the age of 91 on May 2, 2025, at her daughter's home in Roseville, California. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, JoAn never met a person whom she could not care for, help, or feed.

Raised in Antlers until the age of thirteen, JoAn was the oldest of five children. JoAn’s family made their way to California in 1947. In 1952, she married Jack Woodward, and together they raised five children of their own in Richmond before moving to Sonora in 1970. In 1993, they joined their son, Alan, in Kauai, Hawaii, and enjoyed a split life between Hawaii and California until Jack's passing in 2010. The death of JoAn’s eldest son, Alan, just shy of his 52nd birthday in 2006, left an unhealed wound in her heart. JoAn's later years were spent in Citrus Heights, California, where she cared for others until she turned 90.

Throughout her life, JoAn took pride in her various roles, including serving as a Tupperware dealer, then manager in the 1960s and managing her husband’s floor covering business for two decades (from the early 70’s through the early 90’s). She had several part-time jobs in her "retirement" years.

JoAn had the ability to make connections with people wherever she went. She often opened her home to family and friends, as she welcomed many nieces, nephews, and foreign exchange students into her life, becoming an adopted mother to countless individuals. She had a unique talent for recognizing needs and fulfilling them quietly, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. She extended forgiveness and grace to individuals whether they deserved it or not.

Having a big mother’s heart, she treasured raising her five children and being a nurturing presence in the lives of her extended family, serving as an occasional caretaker for her siblings, their children, grandchildren, and many adopted family members.

She is survived by her sons, Paul (Liz) Woodward, Mark (Barbara) Woodward, Dale Woodward, and daughter Lisa (Mark) Lloyd, along with her cherished grandchildren: Jonathan, Carissa, Joe, Tami, Charlie, Melissa, Kevin, Jack, Krystina, Tonja, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

JoAn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack, and eldest son, Alan, along with her parents, James and Faye Mainard, and siblings Ken Mainard, Carol Fleming, and Sandra Winters.

A Celebration of Life service for Mary JoAn Woodward will be held on May 24, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Hillcrest Church, located at 911 Hillcrest, Roseville, CA 95678. Family and friends are invited to honor her memory and share stories of how JoAn touched their lives.