Joan Reich Reading Pratt Obituary (1937 - 2010)

“Will Be Missed”Our loving mother, grandmother great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully in her home on April 19, 2010 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.Joan was born March 15, 1937 to Nephi and Hazel Saunders Reich. She grew up with a loving family in Holladay, Utah. She was part of the first graduating class of Olympus High in 1955. She fell in love and married Joseph Reading in April 1958. Together, they raised four children. They were later divorced.She devoted the early years of her life to her children using creativity, imagination and her wonderful spirit to make each day fun and exciting. She would invent games, sew hundreds of Barbie clothes, go on adventure hikes and make banana splits for dinner—all for the excitement and delight of her children. No water was too dirty for a good tadpole and frog hunt.She was an excellent cook and entertainer. She was a talented seamstress, and no job was too hard. Her stride for perfection was highly sought after. Joan enjoyed traveling, went hiking and snowshoeing, and she really loved the company of her many dear friends. She was very generous and giving. She was always in service to others, making quilts and hats for charity. Joan is survived by her children, Catherine (Jim) Pankow, Helen (Scott) Syndergaard, Eileen (Don) Hardcastle, and Russel Reading; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill (Renee) Reich and Art (Nadene) Reich; as well as many close friends. She had a close relationship with her grandchildren and they all knew they were dearly loved. A memorial service will be Friday, April 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street. Friends and family may gather and share memories during a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday prior to the service.In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Joan Pratt to the Utah Cancer Foundation, 1121 E. 3900 S., Suite C230, SLC, UT 84124.