Alyce Joanne Scanland

Alyce Scanland, hereafter known as Joanne (and definitely NOT Alice), passed away peacefully on March 27th, surrounded by family and love. Born in 1935 in Bloomington, Illinois, to Julia and Wilbur Scogin, Joanne’s life was rich in family, friendship, and resilience. From her early years growing up with her best friend and sister, Clydette, Joanne’s life was marked by deep connections, shared moments, and an enduring spirit. Joanne and Clydette enjoyed the simple pleasures of childhood, including ice skating in the winter and shopping in Chicago around Christmas. Their adventures together, including visits to the zoo, were punctuated by memories—some pleasant, and others not so pleasant, like getting locked in the zoo at night, which led to her hatred of Pine-Sol. Until the day she died, she refused to mop her floors with Pine-Sol because the smell reminded her of the zoo. In high school, Joanne met and married her high school sweetheart, John. Together, they created a beautiful family with the birth of their son, David, and daughter, Lisa. After John's passing, Joanne’s heart found its second home in Buzz Scanland. She would be the first to tell you he was everything they needed. Together, they raised David, Lisa, and two more daughters, Julie and Paige. Joanne and Buzz’s pride in their children and grandchildren was boundless, and they often spoke of their family with overwhelming joy. Joanne faced many hardships during her life, including the surviving breast cancer, the loss of her first husband, her sister, and other loved ones. She often had to remind us that despite her small stature, she was much stronger than anyone thought. Her family was her greatest success in life. She always told us, “At the end of the day, all we ever really have that matters is family.” Her life was a beautiful example of perseverance, love, and the importance of family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Buzz, sister Clydette, parents Julia and Wilbur, and son-in-law Jerry . She leaves behind her children, David (Debbie), Lisa (Jerry), Julie, and Paige (Jon); her grandchildren, Rachel (Josh), Lucas, Aaron, Kallie (Cody), Matthew (Bayleigh), Wesley (Tia), and Taylor (Alex); her great-grandchildren, Amelita, Ariannah, Alf, and Sophie; her nieces and nephews, Eric, Curt, Leanne, Doug, David, Maryellen, Bobby, Shirl, and Suzanne. Mike (Pricilla) who was just like a son, her cat, Olive; as well as countless other family members, friends, granddogs, and grandcats who brought immense joy to her life. Joanne had a knack for making people feel special, whether it was by cooking dinner for her family or playing canasta with her dear friends Bette, Peggy, and many others. She had a particular fondness for overcooked food, a habit she developed while waiting for her husband, Buzz, to return home late from work. She hated garlic (but would happily eat it if she didn’t know it was there) and loved dessert. In the summer, she enjoyed gardening and canning with Buzz, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Joanne’s kindness was matched by her wit, and she enjoyed many moments of joy with her family, particularly during happy hour on the front porch with a glass of Pinot Grigio (from a box) in hand. She loved watching game shows and cooking shows, especially Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! with Taylor and Alex. Joanne was a Christian and was ready to be reunited with the loved ones who had left her behind. She knew that her passing would be met with a warm welcome in Heaven, and her faith in the promise of eternal life brought her peace. Joanne’s legacy of love, strength, and family will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her. We hope she got the thick hair and long legs she promised she would have in the next life. We will look for reminders of her every day. The family will hold a celebration of life at Historic Smithfield at Virginia Tech on Saturday, May 3 from 12:30-2:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks any donations be made in Joanne’s name to the Montgomery County Humane Society, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, or your local animal shelter.