Joanna Katherine Conrardy

Joanna Katherine Conrardy, 75, found peace and joined God on September 28, 2015.   Joanna was born in Macon, Georgia on May 8, 1940 to Theodore Conrardy and Susan Morris.  Her sister, Jean, was born three years later.

Joanna enjoyed many diverse and interesting occupations over her lifetime; from the freedom of being a woman pilot and flight instructor, to music education, to entering massage school, and helping people improve their health.   One of her passions was working with students that had special needs, and problem-solving to find the best ways to meet their individual needs.
Joanna met and married Joseph Mercer in 1959 and together they had two children, Stephen and Jennifer.  

She attended college at Marquette University, California Universities, and UNM.   She received the Amelia Earhart Scholarship for flight school in Greeley, CO.  Music was her primary love and she played numerous instruments including piano, marimba, harp, violin, percussion and drums.  She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in music from UNM.
Joanna’s spirit was undeniable, never afraid to share her thoughts, with a sense of humor that was witty and quick!  She enjoyed numerous creative ventures from woodworking and painting scarves to making music and pottery.

Joanna is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Mercer, grandsons, Jeffrey and Brandon Poulin and wife Kaelin, and great-grandson Kayden Poulin Tierney.

Joanna was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Conrardy, and mother Susan Morris, sister, Jean Sprague, and son, Stephen Mercer. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015, 3:00 pm, at Daniels Family Funeral Services - Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. An informal reception will follow the service in the Daniels Reception Center.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Joanna by sending your donations to the Jefferson Middle School Music Programs 712 Girard Pl NE Albuquerque, NM 87106.