Obituaries

Madison
Joan Pariza, 72, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2015 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joan was born on July 7, 1942 at her home in Milwaukee, the daughter of Edwin and Pauline Reger. She attended the University of Wisconsin, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Her master's thesis, "Feeling states evoked by colored lighting," on how color influences mood, was ahead of its time. She married her beloved husband in June of 1967 and had three daughters. Joan is probably best known as being the owner of Quilter’s Workshop from 1990-1999, where she could continue to express her love of color in her own quilts and helping others with their quilts. In fact, helping others is another theme in her life - she spent her life caring for others, often at the expense of herself. Her love of cooking, baking, and entertaining, and her sage advice, will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by Mike, her husband of 48 years; her children, Michele (Paul) Wacek, Suzy Pariza, and Kathy (John) Larrivee; and by her seven grandchildren, Michael Larrivee, Gavin Mueller, Mary Larrivee, Kayla Mueller, Joseph Larrivee, Grace Larrivee, and Anne Larrivee. She is also survived by her sister, Connie Polewczynski; her brother, Russell (Kristine) Reger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave.with Father Vince Brewer presiding. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Maria Goretti School, Madison, to give tuition assistance to children in need. Please write "Tuition assistance - Joan Pariza" in the memo line, and mail to: 5405 Flad Ave, Madison, WI 53711. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremations Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000