Theresa Luna Fontenot, born on October 8, 1944, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026. She is survived by her sisters, Rita LeLeux and Angela Fontenot; her brothers, BD and Paul Fontenot; her daughters, Annalisa Maj Joynes Assaadi and Danielle Lea Joynes; four beloved grandchildren, Myriam Eve Assaadi and Faris Lahcen Assaadi, Olivia Evelyn Ratner, and Grace Lea Starzynski; and her great-granddaughter, Lila Danielle Ratner.

Born and raised in Mamou, Louisiana Theresa carried her Cajun roots and spirit. She attended nursing school at Charity Hospital in New Orleans before marrying and moving to Norfolk, Va. which became her lifelong home.

In her earlier years in Norfolk, Theresa was known for her flair for entertaining and civic participation. She enjoyed sharing authentic Cajun cooking. She served on the regional board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and, through her marriage to Monty Joynes, participated in numerous Norfolk Jaycees civic projects and charitable fundraisers. She was honored as one of Metro magazine’s “Top Ten Women of Tidewater.” Theresa also worked as a production assistant on the “Graz Experience,” an educational film project produced and directed by Monty that took her throughout Europe in support of international education initiatives.

Theresa devoted more than 40 years to a career in nursing, primarily serving within the Sentara Health System. She retired as a PACU nurse, remembered by colleagues and patients alike for her compassion and dedication.

A passionate traveler, Theresa especially loved visits to Rome, Santa Fe, cruises and wintertime beach destinations. Yet her greatest joy was traveling to spend time with her daughters and grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and family milestones together.

Theresa will be remembered for her extraordinary generosity, both in spirit and in action. She quietly gave to local charities, friends, family members, and strangers in need. She loved tipping and carried a packet of tip money at all times. She never forgot a birthday or holiday, faithfully sending cards, making calls, and ensuring those she loved felt remembered and cared for. Her kindness, loyalty, humor, and deep love for family and friends leave a lasting legacy in all who knew her.

She loved to laugh and giggle with and at most anything. She looked for joy and delight wherever she was. She loved swimming pools, nice hotel rooms, CMT videos, Below Deck, strong cups of coffee and a one drink happy hour. She loved pink carnations, anything lacey, a Japanese maple she planted in her yard.

A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, June 28 at Mermaid Winery, 101 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA at 12 noon. Please RSVP here as space is limited: https://partiful.com/e/5VGOrgDvqoWEXonltSm9?c=1Q0ZPcaF

In lieu of sending flowers, the family would appreciate donations towards flowers for her memorial celebration by clicking here.

Memorial donations are encouraged to two charities she supported for many years:

– Norfolk Catholic Worker https://williamsbaggarly.wixsite.com/norfcatholicworker

-Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia https://vafoodbanks.org/food-bank/foodbank-of-southeastern-virginia-and-the-eastern-shore/