Joan Marie Adamik

She was born November 13, 1937 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Johnnie Milford Ward and Margaret Belle Riden Ward. As a young child, Joan's family lived in Texas and Louisiana. Joan graduated from high school in La Marque, Texas and the family settled in Waco, where Joan attended Baylor University. She loved spending time with her parents, sister, Barbara Brannen and family. Joan became an operator for Southwestern Bell. At the employee recreation center, over a game of ping pong, Joan met Wayne on July 3, 1958. One year to the day later, July 3, 1959, they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waco, Texas.

They moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and in May of 1962, they welcomed son, Jason Michael. In June of 1963, Kevin Paul completed the young family. Joan loved being a mother and her sons were a source of great joy and pride. Joan was particularly proud of Jason's artistic eye and musical talents and Kevin's business ventures and gentle nature. Joan was proud of Wayne's accomplishments as he began his career and his business ventures flourished.

Wayne and Joan traveled the world, touring and vacationing in every country in Europe, Hawaii, the Bahamas, China, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Aruba, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean. The boys shared Wayne's love of travel and Joan "prayed" them safely through every airplane ride and adventure. Joan accompanied Wayne to every Texas "Aggie" game faithfully for 17 years and they enjoyed travel, dinners, plays, sporting events, and musicals with family, Wayne's business associates and fellow Aggies.

Joan dedicated her life to her family. A wonderful wife, Joan devoted herself to her husband of 51 years, Spencer Wayne. She dearly loved her sons, Jason Michael and Kevin Paul. Her grandchildren were, perhaps, her greatest joy; David Austin, Kristina Marie and Denis, enjoyed a close and loving relationship and they benefited tremendously from her gentle spirit and unconditional love. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her kindness and gentle nature.

Joan shared a special relationship with her grandchildren. David Austin spent countless hours with Joan, reading, walking and talking. He enjoyed traveling with Wayne and Joan in Eastern Europe, China, and Spain. Granddaughter, Kristina Marie adored Joan. The two shared a special bond, and brought each other great joy.

Joan was a wonderful woman with a gentle, loving spirit. A devout Catholic, she lived her religious beliefs and led by example. She was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. She was the family's cornerstone. Her beautiful smile and loving spirit will be missed by all.

Joan Marie Adamik passed away on September 15, 2010 of complications from surgery. Joan was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Spencer Wayne, her sons, Kevin Paul, of Washington, and Jason Michael, daughter-in-law, Nadya Polyakova, grandsons David Austin and Denis Polyakov, and granddaughter, Kristina Marie of Plano, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Mac Brannen and Larry Adamik and sister-in-law, Sue Adamik, and their families.

The family will greet friends at a Vigil on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano Texas, 75023. Father John Szatkowski will offer a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 10:00a.m. Following mass, family and friends will process to Waco for a Committal Service and Interment at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S. 5th Street, Waco, Texas 76706. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to the American Cancer Society in Joan's memory.