• Greg Joens
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My sister Roxane... 1959-2008

I found this blog on the Des Moines University website about my sister, Roxane...................Mourning a great teacher.....by Tea Nguyen......I do not know much about Roxane Joens-Matre, but with few encounters, it was apparent she enjoyed teaching, which made me enjoy my online class in Social and Behavioral Science with her. She made the time to help many of us on our final project; she organized conference calls to help us sort out our ideas and was always available when I needed her academic advice in the master’s program. Today is a very sad day for many of us connected to her because she died this morning from breast cancer. Director of the Public Health Program Wendy Ringgenberg, Ph.D., sent this message: The breast cancer she had years ago came back this year. It was in May when she was told the cancer had come back and spread to her bones, lungs and liver. She was on an aggressive chemotherapy since August and, until about a month ago, had hopes of returning to DMU. She was able to see her first grandchild adopted from China, travel to South Africa with Dr. Blessman, watch her son marry his sweetheart and spend her last days with her wonderful husband, Jim. And, of course, she was happy and fulfilled being your professor and advisor. Each of you brought her joy, and contributed to her enthusiasm for teaching. I am so sorry for our loss, and just extremely sad. I send my condolences to her family and friends. I don’t know if there’s anyone else that can replace her.

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Anonymous Guest

Seth Weaver 02 Jan 2009

My prayers are with your whole family at this time of loss. Your sister from the portrait and words above was a blessing to everyone she met and knew. There are people like that in my life...they are true treasures. Now she can bless them in Heaven, Greg.

Vanessa Holmstrand 30 Dec 2008

What a precious tribute to your sister. We were so sorry to hear of your loss! Take comfort in the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and has gone home to a much better place. Brian and I are praying for your family. Tell Cathy "hello" for us and good luck on her new job. We love you guys.

Carliss Mora 27 Dec 2008

So sorry that you had to lose someone that you were not able to get to know as you might have. She seems to have been a very outstanding personality, and influencial person. A year younger than myself, even. My older brother died on the 19th of December of this year, so it made the month of holiday joy a bit sad this year. You and all her family have my deepest sympathy.

debbie collier 26 Dec 2008

Beautiful portrait!!!! I am sorry for your loss!!!

debbie braswell 26 Dec 2008

GOD BLESS YOU GREG ON YOUR LOSS SHE SOUNDED LIKE A BEAUTIFUL KIND AND SMART WOMAN, I KNOW THE PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH LOSING MY SISTER A FEW MONTHS AGO AND MY BROTHER JUST A YEAR AGO. IT REALLY HURTS AND IN TIME THE PAIN LESSENS SOME, TAKE CARE