Joanne Altobelli

Joanne Altobelli passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on October 25, 2020 in hospice in Mendota Heights, MN. Born in Nashwauk, MN in 1927, Joanne Sumi came from a hardworking Finnish family and was one of 10 children. She was raised with the values of integrity, humility, humor, conviction, independence, and importance of education and family. Her kindness, wit, intelligence, patience, intuition, thirst for reading, singing, and dancing - were all woven into the family she raised and how she lived her 92 years.

Leonard ( Lenny ) Altobelli , a spirited Italian, met this young Finnish woman , falling hard in love , marrying, and raising a family of 3. He died prematurely from cancer 46 years ago, leaving behind a young widow. Joanne never faltered, soldiering on to raise her children on her own. She resided in Hibbing, MN until 2008, when she moved to Northfield, MN where she spent the remainder of her years until 2019, when she moved to an assisted living facility. Reunited at last with her husband, we believe they are dancing the night away.

Full of life, stubborn and independent, but always available to be friend, listener, and counsellor not just to her own family, but to all around her, Joanne leaves an indelible mark on anyone fortunate to have spent any time with her. The saying ' they broke the mold when they made her' rings true. She is one of a kind.

She leaves behind her eldest daughter Jane Altobelli and her partner Ric Slocum, who reside in Arizona, her son Mark Altobelli, his wife Laura and their children Forrest, Blake, and Ren, who reside in Colorado, and youngest daughter Beth Stoa, her husband Jon, and granddaughters Olivia and Abby, who reside in Lakeville, MN. She also leaves behind her brother David Sumi, who resides in California and many loving nieces and nephews across CA, MN, and WI.

Beth, Jon and their children Olivia and Abby, were able to spend significant time with their mother/grandmother over the years, and of course were by her side at the end. Jane and Mark were able to say their goodbyes virtually. Due to COVID, no services will be held. The family will come together to honor their beloved Mom on her birthday in December. Singing some of her favorite Broadway musicals and recalling both funny and poignant stories will be on the celebration agenda.

The family wants to thank the entire White Pines staff in Mendota Heights MN and the unsurpassed care and support from the hospice staff. The respect and dignity they provided throughout the process will always be treasured.

If you want to pay tribute, feel free to donate to Alzheimer's Association.