Joanne Emily Morrissette

Joanne E. Morrissette

Age 90

Of Vadnais Heights

Passed away after a brief illness on September 21, surrounded by her family.

Preceded in death by her husband Raphael Morrissette, sister Helen Carlson, brother Donald Dunlap and grandson Chad Holum.

Survived by children Ron (Kathy Schlecht) Bruns and Nancy (Jim) Holum; grandchildren Joe (Tabitha) Holum and Katie (Jake) Hanson; 8 great-grandchildren and Ray's family which includes David (Girlfriend Deb), Kathrine her children Joanne and Michelle (Andrew),Daniel (ex-wife Doni) their children Jamie (Andrew) and Jesse (Elena) as well as additional great-grandchildren and brother Robert (Bud) Dunlap. She was beloved Aunt Jo to many nieces and nephews and their children.

Joanne lived a vibrant, independent life filled with love, laughter, and connection. Even at 85, she was still working part-time in quality assurance-until she finally decided to retire so she could spend more time with the people she cherished most. Her days remained full, whether she was playing her weekly "Hand and Foot" card game with lifelong friends, cheering on her great-grandkids at hockey games, ice skating shows, and gymnastic meets, or simply enjoying long phone chats with her dear friends, a slew of nieces, nephews, neighbors, etc. She was a cherished friend to many!

She never missed a celebration-holiday parties, weddings, graduations, baby showers, and wedding showers-always arriving with a handmade hostess gift. She was also a devoted dog-sitter to Ron and Kathy's pugs, lovingly calling them her "grandpugs." She'd say, "I can't bear to think of them sitting in a kennel when they can sit on my lap."

After retiring, Joanne quickly realized she had more time than she expected. "I'm watching too much TV," she said. "I need to find something to do with all this extra time." When she learned that many children were going to school without winter hats, she began knitting them-bright, cheerful hats in all sizes, made with love and care. She believed that "when people have so little, it's nice to own something bright and cheery." It's hard to say how many hats she made and gave away, but it's likely in the thousands.

Joanne was a kid at heart. Her home was filled with teddy bears, bunnies, Raggedy Ann dolls, angels, and baskets. Every wall held a quote or saying to remind you that you are loved. Her home was a reflection of her generous spirit and joyful personality.

She was a ray of positivity-quick to laugh, always ready to listen, and endlessly curious. Though she never owned a passport, she loved hearing travel stories, saying, "I just love listening to all these stories about all these far-away places" And when times were tough, she'd offer her favorite advice: "You need a pocket full of patience. Things will turn around, you'll see."

There's so much more we could say, but we'd love to hear your memories of Joanne in the memory book below. In the days and weeks ahead, we'll be reminded again and again of the many lives she touched.

Thank you for being part of hers.

Memorial Service at 4 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025 at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake with visitation 3 - 4 pm. Private interment Acacia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.