Joanna Martinez Canfield

JoAnna Martinez Canfield was born August 20th, 1956 in Corona, California. Born from her parents Robert L. Perez and Magdalena Perez. She was the first child of six to soon follow throughout the years. JoAnna, the first born, was soon followed by her sister Rachel Perez, Carolyn Perez, Helen Peters (Perez), her brother Robert Perez and lastly her sister Elaine Araujo (Perez). Growing up in Corona for them was different for most being the number of children her parents had to take care of, they certainly didn't have limitations to the fun they had. From beach days, packing up loaves of bread, bologna, watermelon and chips into their station wagon was all they needed to get away for a moment as family. JoAnna was a bright, intelligent and beautiful young woman growing up, excelling in all her course and making the best of her education. At 17, she had an opportunity to take a typography class in school because they were hiring at the local Naval Base in Norco. At 17, she finished that course and got employed for the Naval Surface Warfare Center. From that moment on, JoAnna would have an amazing career and legacy in Norco, working as graphic artist for the multimedia division for 41 years. JoAnna later on went on the meet her future husband, Christopher John Canfield in Riverside. A first date in Riverside at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant turned into man she would later on marry. Being just getting out of the army, Christopher John moved to California with his brother Jeff who was in military as a Marine, Christopher's life would change for the better when he met JoAnna. They loved each other very much, JoAnna being the adventurer herself, would take him everywhere. There was no limit to what JoAnna wanted to see and do, from coast to coast, JoAnna loved traveling and seeing the beauty within her country. Years after being married, they then had the first and only child, Christopher Ian Canfield. Christopher wanted to make his son a junior, but JoAnna didn't want another Christopher John so for his middle name, Ian, it's the Irish equivalent of John, being he was Irish, and also Mexican. JoAnna and Christopher had an apartment in Riverside until Christopher Ian was 3, and then got their first house in Corona, on the outskirts bordering Lake Elsinore, Horsetheif Canyon, where they all lived happily for many years to come. JoAnna loved her son Christopher Ian more than life itself, putting him sports and music, she was so proud of all the accomplishments and friendships he made in school. From all the golf tournaments to the band competitions, JoAnna was always there supporting her son. It wasn't until Christopher Ian was 15 when his parents separated and eventually got divorced. This was hard for JoAnna, being such a loving woman she was to continue keeping a normal life for herself and Christopher Ian. But, being such a devote Christian woman, God got herself and Christopher Ian through it all. Somehow and someway she found the money to get him to prom, to go out and be a kid, to getting him his first cars and paying for all his expenses. Her heart was made of gold, anything anyone ever needed, she would always do. Her nieces and nephews were prime examples of that, everyone loved their Aunt JoAnna as much as they loved their Grandma Maggie. JoAnna and her mother Magdalena were more like sisters than anything, having both amazing hearts and pure kindness. Anyone who knew JoAnna never had anything bad to say about her, she was the most beautiful soul ever to have walked this earth. Christopher Ian would then meet the love of his life, Alejandra Michelle Calero, but we all call her Michelle. For 2 years, Michelle, JoAnna, and Christopher had the most amazing adventures they experienced, it was the three amigos. From trips to San Diego, or the casino or just a cruise down the beach. Michelle was like a daughter to JoAnna, the girl she always wanted, she knew her sons heart was safe with her and she was proud of the life they shared because they made God the center of it. Michelle remembers her beautiful Mama Bear JoAnna is her vibrant energy and the uncanny ability to always be the voice of reason and the capability to always be peace to hearts around. It would be an understatement to say that she touched our lives because she left footsteps in our hearts and souls that will carry through us they rest of our lives. She was our best friend, gave the best advice and always had an answer to questions we were contemplating. The week before her passing, she went for her birthday to Lake Tahoe, with her son Christopher Ian. It was the best time they ever had, she loved Lake Tahoe as it was such a beautiful getaway and Christopher hadn't been since he was in elementary school. Who know that would be the last carefree thing they would do together, one last great adventure on earth. But I know, my mother JoAnna is in heaven with our lord and savior. I can't wait to make you so proud Mom. I love you so much. Thank you for the life you've given me. JoAnna Martinez Canfield, until we meet again. God bless your beautiful soul. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 9/25, 10:00 am Cemetery Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery 1125 Rimpau Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Wednesday 9/25