Joan Kniesche Saunders passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Wayne Saunders, and her father and mother, Earnest and Claudia Kniesche. She is survived by two daughters, Christine Saunders (Peter Miller) and Kimberly Saunders, granddaughter Blair Riddle (Brigham), and great-grandsons Jesse, Wayne, and Alexander Riddle and brother Robert Kniesche (Charlotte). A host of loving friends and relatives also survive her.
A graveside service will be performed on Friday, January 24, at 2:00 p.m., at Hampton Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 372 Hiden Blvd., Newport News, Virginia, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church or Animal Aid Society in Hampton, VA.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601.
8 Comments
Joanie will be truly missed! She was a wonderful person!
She was such a sweet lady. I loved your mom and I will miss her.
I am very sorry for your loss.
I don’t know the words to tell everyone how much I will miss my Elvis, bowling, dancing, NASCAR, traveling and a little bit of drinking buddy. I loved her like a sister. My heart is aching now that she has left us. She was the best mother and friend to Christine and Kim. Rest in peace dear friend. ❤️ you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a very sweet lady & she always had the sweetest smile. The entire family is in my thoughts & prayers.
“Please, accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. She was a true inspiration to all who knew her.”
Working with our “Joanie” at the Reservoir Lot”, she and I worked closely, acquiring so many students transportation to and from school. Her laughter, were a very contagious one. I knew when it were time for her shift to be over, she would always place her purse closest to me, because my desk were closest to the exit door. (As a reminder). In our world, Joanie— you have earned your pass in the sweet arms of Jesus—He will take you to your new Earthly home. sleep well, my friend—
Dear Kim, Christine and Blair,
I can’t begin to tell you how sorry about your Mom. She was always nice to me and we had alot of laughs when I would go over and visit her. (This was years ago before she got sick)
We both loved animals and would share stories about them. I am going to miss you Joanie, I already do.if there is anything I can do for the family please let me know
I love your family.
.
To the family, my heartfelt condolences to you all. I met your mom when I started driving school bus in 1992. Mrs Saunders was a very quite and sweet person. We talked after we finished our runs if we were in the same schools. After she retired when I would ride by her house I would always blow the horn letting her know I’m still hanging in there. She loved her famly dearly and her friends too. She will be missed by everyone she came in contact with.