Jolyn Twohig Shikany of Phoenix, AZ died peacefully on June 23, 2022. Jolyn was born on September 7, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio to Lynn and Helen Winans. As a young child, her family relocated to San Diego, CA where Jolyn and her family curated a love of the ocean and a sense of adventure. After high school, she attended the University of Arizona and became a Wildcat for Life! As an officer for Gamma Phi Beta, she gained much confidence and grace. In a required accounting class, she met Harry John Twohig and was swept off her feet.
Jolyn and Harry married in 1948 and settled in central Phoenix. As the Twohig family grew, so did her circle of lifelong friends. In addition to many sporting and school activities, Mom encouraged her children to appreciate service, faith, beauty in nature and a sense of adventure. Although living in a small desert town, she made certain her children spent time in San Diego learning the fine skills of body surfing, sailing and drip sandcastle building.
As a devote Catholic, she was very active at St. Francis Parish and School, Brophy College Prep and Xavier College Prep and took on many leadership positions. She remained active as an alumnus in Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She played in golf leagues, bridge groups, took art classes and created many treasures including ceramics and knitted blankets.
After 33 years of marriage, her beloved Harry passed away. And soon, she became an empty nester. This started a new chapter of her life that included world travel with her family and many friends. She was a fearless traveler and adventurer. She loved golf, hiking and exploring and passed this adventurous spirit to her children and grandchildren.
After many years of the single life, Mom married James Shikany who was a lifelong family friend. They enjoyed summers at Pinewood Country Club golfing, playing bridge with friends and hiking in the San Francisco Peaks. They had a wonderful 14 years together in both the Moon Valley Country Club community and at the Beatitudes, prior to Jim’s passing in 2019.
Jolyn is survived by her children, Kevin (Barbara), Lynne Sonntag (Volker), Joe (Lezlie), Mike (Ilene), and Mary Kemnitz (Tom), 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
The family is grateful to the caregivers at Paradise Living Centers and Sage Hospice.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will be private.
Patty Kemnitz
My sincere condolences and prayers for your entire family.
Peter pabst
God bless you as you celebrate Jolyn’s life. We were fortunate to have parents who modeled the importance of having good friends. There were countless dinners and bridge games over the years. America’s greatest generation!
Susan J Cwik
My sincere condolences to your family. Rest in Peace, Aunt Jolyn.
Posey Moore Nash
Dear Lynn and family,
My condolences on the death of a beautiful lady.
May peace find it’s way into your hearts.
Doug
Mary, my condolences and prayers to you and your family. She had a great life.
Sherrill D Koopot
Dear Loved Ones of Jolyn,
The Phoenix Art Museum docents send their condolences to you all. Jolyn was a special person; always ready to help and extend herself for others. We shared many good times, touring the youngsters that came to be “exposed to art” .
We are sure at this time you are feeling a great loss. Know that we are sharing in your sadness.
Sherry Koopot
for the Phoenix Art Docents
Fernando and Sharon Ponce
Dear Lynne and family,
We are very saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. May the good memories sustain and comfort you at this time.
Diane Might
Dear Lynne,
You and your family are in our thoughts. What an amazing legacy she left that will live on.
Love and hugs,
Diane and Tom Might