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L. Joanne Larson
Joanne Larson
Posted
L. Joanne Larson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Nov. 17, 2015, after a several year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She passed peacefully at home with her daughter, Barbara, and husband, Robert, by her side. Just prior to her death, she celebrated a wonderful 84th birthday with family and friends.
Joanne was born Lois Joanne Bradford on Oct. 29, 1931 in McKeesport (Versailles Borough), Pa. to parents Viola May Badders Bradford and the late Thomas Ames Bradford.
She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1949, where she was the copy editor of her high school yearbook.
In 1950, she met the love of her life, Robert W. Larson, when he was a choir director and she was an alto in the Barcy Memorial Choir. They were married on July 12, 1952, and spent 63 memorable years together. They lived in McKeesport and relocated to Fountain Hills in 1984, a move they both considered the best decision they ever made.
Joanne spent nearly 50 years as a secretary, working in the early years of their marriage from home, then later as a medical secretary in a local physician’s office.
She spent the final 10-plus years of her career as a medical secretary and trainer for Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, being most proud of opening the “new” clinic. She proudly retired from Mayo 10 years later.
She was very active socially her entire life, being a member and Worthy Matron of Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and Fountain Hills Friendship Circle.
She also loved to travel, and was very proud of the more than 70 trips that they took with family and friends over the years, documenting every aspect of every trip.
Above all, Joanne loved her family, and took the most pleasure and pride in times spent with family and friends, especially time spent over the years with her granddaughter.
Joanne is survived by her husband, Robert of Fountain Hills; her son, Robert P. Larson (wife, Caroline) of Windber, Pa.; daughter, Barbara J. Kraus (Mick Durazo) of Fountain Hills; and her most precious granddaughter, Jessica J. Kraus of Simsbury, Conn.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for its care, concern and help in making Joanne’s final days comfortable. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.
