Joanne R. MacDonald

Joanne R. (Barnum) MacDonald Lansing Age 77, surrendered her struggle with cancer on Friday, September 11, 2009. She was born to S.A. and Velma Barnum on November 29, 1931, in Hastings, Michigan. Jo loved gardening, reading, decorating and "Dancing with the Stars." When asked what her greatest accomplishment in life had been, she would glowingly reply, "my three beautiful children." In retirement, Joanne designed and produced wonderful pillows, which she sold locally. Many of her creations were hand embroidered with silk ribbon. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ronald and Robert (Lois) Barnum; and son-in-law, Ronald Laxton. Surviving are her children, Thomas (Jacki) MacDonald of North Canton, OH, Barbara MacDonald Laxton of Lansing and Kathleen MacDonald Moore of Myakka City, FL; grandchildren, Mark, David and Stephen MacDonald, Ashley and Max Moore. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, with The Rev. Fr. William J. Koenigsknecht as celebrant. The Rite of Committal will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 4-7 p.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sue Tadgerson Nursing and Education Fund C/O Sparrow Hospital Foundation, or to Hospice of Lansing in memory of Joanne MacDonald.