Remembering Miss Joan Nuñez Martinez, Woman of Garifuna Heritage
Joan became an Ancestor in the Middle of July 2024
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Copyright 2024 by Teofilo Colon Jr for Being Garifuna. All Rights Reserved.
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New York City – I learned from a Facebook post featuring a Flyer containing Viewing, Wake and Funeral arrangements, that American woman of Garifuna Heritage, Miss Joan Nuñez Martinez passed away.
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Stunned and bewildered, Joan was a friend who I hadn’t seen or heard from since 2016. So the news of her death surprised me.
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Joan’s family hasn’t publicly announced a cause of Death, so I don’t know what happened. She was only 48 Years Old. So young.
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As I get more information, I will edit this posting to more accurately detail Joan’s (pronounced Jo-Ann) biographical information.
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I always saw Joan with her friend Marts Morales. Beautiful, Friendly with an Irresistible smile, I usually saw Joan at Garifuna public gatherings in New York City. Parades, Festivals, Park Concerts, etc.
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Marts Morales and Joan Nuñez Martinez at The 2016 Guatemalan Independence Festival in Red Hook, Brooklyn (last time I saw Joan)
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Everytime I saw her, we’d flirt or joke about News within the Garifuna Community. She came across as shy and to herself to me.
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That’s why when I went to her Wake, I was surprised to see so many people there to pay their respects.
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Her relatives told me that Joan died suddenly. While curious as to what happened, I didn’t ask for details, but as I stared at Joan at rest in her coffin wearing a Pink Dress the color of Cotton Candy, I couldn’t help but think about the frailty of life.
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At the wake, Joan’s family, friends and colleagues all expressed sadness over her becoming an Ancestor. One shared family photos with me.
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On Facebook, Relatives wrote about how much Joan meant to them. Teodora Martinez wrote,
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” ‘Sisters are like Stars, you may not always see them, but you know that they’re always there.’ “
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Never in a million years would I have thought that the impossible would happen. Never in a million years would I have thought that this quote would hold so much weight.
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It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I announce the passing of my first friend, my first road dog, Joann Nuñez Martinez.
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To know Joann was to love her immediately. Joann was a confidant, someone who would listen to complaints and hurts with an unbiased ear, someone who would offer the best advice without judgement, someone who would keep your secrets in confidence, a nurturer and fierce protector.
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A champion for her family and one of the first, if not the first person on the front line in times of duress. A second mom to my son and his favorite Titi.
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Reserved, quiet and dignified, Joann commanded respect and drew attention in any room that she entered without having to say a word.
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A huge reggae fan, and I am grateful that we had a final chance at celebrating sisterhood watching her favorite artist perform.
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God knows that your departure was too soon and abrupt. However, God had more demanding plans and called on you.
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Please tell Papi and our Grandparents that I said Hello and I think of them daily. The family knows that we have another Angel watching over us.
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I won’t view this as a transition, rather, I’ll view this as a graduation. You’ve earned your wings!!!
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Until we meet again, just know that words can’t ever express how profoundly truthful I am when I say that I LOVE YOU!!! Rest In Power! Your Lil’ Sister, Teodora aka Dorita.
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As I wrote earlier, I will revise this post as more information about Joan Nuñez Martinez comes in.
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Beiba Ameragua, Joann.
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