JoAnne M. LaLonde (Spangler)’s blessed soul passed into eternal life on June 19, 2012.

This remarkable woman led a remarkable life. JoAnne was born in International Falls, Minn. on May 17, 1936, and grew up in Turtle River, Minn.

After working her way through school she met her future spouse Dick in Bemidji, Minn., where they wed on Aug. 25, 1956. After stops in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., Walla Walla, Wash., Springfield, and Austin, Minn., Dick and JoAnne made Owatonna, Minn. their home in 1975.

JoAnne was involved with several organizations: St. Mary’s School Board, Relay for Life, Daffodil Days, Steele County Election Judge, Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary, Women’s Club of Owatonna (president), and at St. Joseph’s Church. She was also the Red Cross Bloodmobile Coordinator for seven years. She was an avid bridge player and voracious reader. She did all this while raising four children, and working side by side with Dick at Cedar Mall Drug.

Most importantly, JoAnne touched so many people in so many ways, by her compassion for others, her kindness to all and her unconditional love for her friends and family. During her difficult illness she showed her strength, courage and grace; never in search for pity but always embracing the love she was given and the love she bestowed. In short, JoAnne taught those around her how to live and eventually taught them how to die. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

At her side in her final hours were her devoted husband of 56 years Richard (Dick) LaLonde, and her four children, John (Mali), James (Jean), Jane (Kevin Shea), and Anne (Paul Laux). She is reunited in death with her parents and infant child Joseph. In addition to her spouse and surviving children, she leaves 15 heartbroken grandchildren (John and Mali’s Zoe, Sofi, and Max; Jim and Jean’s Jana, Jamie and Joanna, Jane and Kevin’s, Richard, Catherine, Meghan, Corrigan and Nolan, and Anne and Paul’s, Samuel, Joseph, Margaret and Michael) as well as siblings Pat, Diane (Jerry), Robert (Anita) Tom (Cheryl) and Jerry.

A visitation will be at Brick-Meger Funeral Home on Friday, June 22 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with a remembrance service following at 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral Mass. A Mass of Christian burial is Saturday, June 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Owatonna.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Mary’s School in Owatonna or the Hospitality House of Owatonna (Men’s Shelter). Condolences made be left at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.