Joni Lynn Dyke's Obituary
Dear Mom,
You unexpectedly left us on June 22, 2022. We all thought you had longer—your spirit was so very strong, but your fragile body decided it was time to rest. You always did things your own way, so in honor of you, you are not getting the standard obituary. Final words about you should be as memorable as you were.
Where to begin? What I remember is having a mom that was young. So young, that people thought she was my older sister. My beautiful older sister. I did not like that. I remember asking you to gain weight and to “look like the other moms.” But, you were never like the other moms. You were a young woman who still had so much to explore in life. And you explored it. I didn’t realize how many places that you had visited until I went through your pictures. You went anywhere and everywhere. You were that person that always said, “Hell yes, let’s go!” You loved life. You loved the adventure. You loved to love. I’m proud of you for living.
So here we are now. Mother and Daughter. Your only child. There were too many walls between us and I’m sorry that I did not have the courage to say my feelings. My insides ache over it. Here is my truth to you: I love you. I loved you when I didn’t want to love you. I loved you when you didn’t want to be loved. I always loved you, Mom. I wish I would have tried to know you better. I regret that.
Your passing has been hard on our small family. Jackie took charge immediately and made it so you could spend your last days in Ohio. Her strength allows me to be vulnerable and deal with my sadness over losing you. Lori answered your calls and talked to the doctors. She had the burden of being the messenger of your illness. She too is an incredibly strong woman. And you LOVED her daughters—Taylor and Payton. You kept everything that they sent you, all the cards, drawings, and pictures. I hope they know how special they were to you. They were your first grandchildren.
My promise to you is that my children, your grandchildren—Sawyer, Stella, and Smith—will ALWAYS hear about their “Mamawk.” Sawyer shared a special bond with you. He will forever remember snuggling up to you and holding your hand during your sleepovers. And, like you, he loves to dance! Stella reminds me so much of you. Blond-curly-haired girl with blue eyes and a touch of attitude. She insisted on painting your nails in your last days at the hospital. Then there’s baby Smith. You came here and took care of him during his first weeks of life. You were sick then and did not tell us. Mom, it deeply saddens me that they are unable to share the rest of their lives with you. I hope that your grandchildren have your courageous spirit, kind heart, and the ability to find humor in any situation.
We miss you.
Love your daughter,
Shawnda
Family and Friends: Let’s celebrate Joni Lynn Dyke’s life on August 13th, 2022 at 4:00 PM! Please join Joni’s “Tribe” at her favorite spot, the Botanical Brewing Taproom, 839 Miramar St, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Then the celebration will conclude with a final farewell to Joni at the Sanibel Causeway. Contact Jackie Martin at 614-832-0503 or Shelly Clark at 239-860-3275 with any questions.
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