Joni Harding (Haas)

May 2, 1978 -

Nov 7, 2021

Joni Harding (Haas), age 43, died in protest of poor beverage service and the scourge that is cancer on Nov. 7, 2021, with family and friends by her side in Sterling, Alaska.

After graduating from Soldotna High School, Joni studied theatre at UAA while making many lasting friendships working at Kaladis Brothers. She was the founding mother of "Family Dinner," a regular meeting of friends at a theatre pub that took place every Sunday for over 10 years. No matter what else was going on, she made time for people and saved a place for you at the table.

Joni loved to paint and taught art classes to those who experience disabilities, and later worked for Access Alaska helping people overcome barriers and achieve goals. She could not walk by someone who was suffering and not offer help and devoted time to those transitioning from homelessness, sharing her home and meals. In 2016, Joni co-founded These Two Hands Outreach with a childhood friend to provide hot meals and warm clothes to those in need in Anchorage.

In 2017, Joni married Shaun Harding in Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom. She enjoyed sharing their large circle of friends while working on a secret plan to push the continents together. Joni liked a good espresso, cup of tea or glass of wine, and, most of all, the conversation that came with each of these. She influenced everyone who knew her and will be remembered for how she made people feel loved every day.

Joni is survived by spouse, Shaun Harding; parents, Dennis and Lynnette Haas; siblings, Tricia Swearingen, Katie Haas, Jason and Sheena Haas; nieces and nephews, Kara, Chloe, Zoey, Kenedi, Robert, David, Jake and Tripp; aunts, LeeAnne Mullen and Carol Holt; several cousins, great-nieces and nephews; beloved cat, Arlo; and a host of "best" friends whose life she has changed for the better.

Those who wish to celebrate Joni's life are invited to "pay it forward" or give to a local organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness.