JOANNE COUTURE Joanne Couture, 80, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away due toinjuries from a car accident on May 8, 2018. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial following at 5:00 p.m. Thu., May 31, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 1001 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110. Joanne was born on July 8, 1937, in Kansas City to Edward and Alma (Sterbenz) Parrott. She was the youngest of five children, having one brother and three sisters. Joanne grew up in Kansas City, and spent her life here, although loved opportunities to travel abroad. She attended Bishop Lillis High School, then received her undergraduate degree from Avila University and her Master's Degree in English at the University of Kansas. She spent 20 years as a dedicated educator, serving children, parents, and her community as an English teacher at Bishop Hogan High School and Bishop Ward High School. She was a popular teacher, known for her wit and occasional snarkiness, but was a true softie beneath it all with a deeply caring heart. Countless students recall being inspired by personal conversations with her, where she encouraged them when things were rough, and also inspired them to believe in themselves. Many say they went to college because of her. Spending time with her family and beloved (if rascally) cats, gardening, tending to backyard critters, reading, and helping her neighbors, were a few of Joanne's favorite things. As a huge Royals fan, their winning the 2015 World Series meant the world to her. She was a devoted wife of 51 years to her husband John R. Couture, Sr., who passed away almost exactly two months before her, on March 10th. She was also a fiercely loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Joanne was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Alma (Sterbenz) Parrott; sisters Virginia Salmon ("Gee Gee"), Marion Tavernaro("Nan"), and Alma Thompson ("AJ"); and husband, John Sr. Joanne is survived by her daughter, Amy Couture; son, John Jr., and wife Heather; beloved grandchildren, Leo, Kate, Bridget and Gretchen; brother, Edward Parrott ("Bud"); sister-in-law Elaine Wright; as well as her much-loved Hyde Park neighbors and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Francis Xavier Parish. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.MuehlebachChapel.com.

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Published by Kansas City Star from May 27 to May 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for JOANNE COUTURE

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13 Entries

Rhonda (Green) Moore

May 13, 2019

Mrs.Couture was my English teacher at Bishop Hogan. She made reading "Beowulf" fun. She was a great educator! My condolences to the family.

Class of "82

Richard Kalich

June 4, 2018

I had Miss Parrott as my freshman English teacher in 1959-60 at Ward High School. She was a great teacher and very enthusiastic and patient and always remembered fondly by me. I am very sorry to hear of her death.

John Couture

June 1, 2018

Thank you all for your wonderful messages about Mom. It's so great to see so many Hogan folks chiming in. Mom loved working there so much. She also was a terrific Mom who Amy and I will miss dearly.

Charles Thiesenhusen

June 1, 2018

To Joannes family,
Joanne was always an inspiration to the master gardeners of Kansas City. She provided great insight and leadership to our Steering Committee. I always enjoyed my gardening talks with her. She even tried to get me to adopt some her neighborhood street cats! She is a very positive influence on our lives and that continues.

Terry Hersperger

June 1, 2018

Joanne will certainly be missed by me. She and I had more fun cutting up than the gardening that was to take place ! We are Senior Gardeners and remember the special days from our beginning. May God Bless you and your family.

June 1, 2018

To Amy, John, and all the grandchildren, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was my English teacher at Ward High School and your father was my Business teacher at Donnelly College. They were both wonderful people and teachers. I will remember you all in my prayers.

Beth Becker-Toczek

May 31, 2018

Amy,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad. I wish I had known about your Dad sooner. Your mom was the most fun mom I have ever known. I loved the sleepovers at your house in high school. Your parents were both some much fun to be around and really engaged with all of us. Your mom was just as much fun in class as she was at home. What a great example and an inspiration on how to be a great parent.

I am sorry I won't be able to make the services but know that you and John are in my prayers. Thinking of you and all you've lost in such a short time. May they rest peacefully together.

Blessings,

Beth Becker-Toczek

Ed Lewis

May 29, 2018

Dear John and Amy:

I am very sorry to hear about your mothers passing. She was one of the finest teachers that I ever had the pleasure to work with. More importantly, she was just a magnificent human being. She was so respected by fellow staff and students. She certainly was an inspiration to me. I know this world would be a much better place if there were more Joanne Couture's in it. My deepest sympathy to both of you and your family.

Sincerely,
Ed Lewis

Delores (Lori) Fabac Kinney

May 27, 2018

Mrs. Couture was an excellent teacher and was an inspiration for me to become a Language Arts teacher also. May she rest in peace. Delores(Lori) Fabac Kinney, Ward High School, '68

Sheryl McClaran

May 27, 2018

Amy, John,

I was shocked and devastated to see the notice of your mom's death today. I can't imagine how hard this is for you--so sudden and so soon after losing your dad. Joanne was such a fun person to be around, and she always had the right words to boost a person's morale--or even ego!! She cared so much for others, and I know that she is doing that where she is now. When I talked to her at your Dad's visitation, we agreed that we needed to get our old Hogan teachers' group together. I'm sorry that we didn't get that done. My prayers are with your family.

Liz Donnelly

May 25, 2018

Amy, John and families,
I am so very sorry to hear of the tragic death of you Mother. This following so closely the death of your Father must be very hard on all of you. My thoughts and prayers along with those of my family are with you at this difficult time. They were both exceptional people.

B.J. Hair

May 25, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Couture's passing. She was an awesome teacher. Taught me english but really taught me about life! She had a great way of reaching every kid she taught often with humor. I loved her funny names she would use as examples--Zelda and Zonker Snurd etc. All of you are in my prayers.

Pat Bryant

May 25, 2018

Jeff and I are so sorry to hear this. Our sincerest sympathy to Amy, Johnny, Heather and the grandkids. We will be out of town and unable to attend the visitation, but we are thinking about you.

Pat Bryant and Jeff Crowe

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