JoAnn C. Fortman

BARRE - JoAnn Claire Beaudoin Fortman of Barre, 53, passed away Oct. 24, 2010, at Central Vermont Medical Center after courageously battling appendecial cancer for two years. Daughter of Jaqueline and Aurelien Beaudoin, she was born at Bishop DeGoesbriand Hospital in Burlington June 26, 1957. She graduated Spaulding High School in 1975, and married Steven Moore Oct. 16, 1976. She gave birth to Stephanie Anne Moore, July 24, 1982. JoAnn and Steve later divorced. JoAnn married Frederick Kent Fortman April 20, 1996. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Oct. 29th at the Montpelier Elks Club beginning with a memorial service at 2 p.m.

JoAnn's greatest passion in life was spending time with her husband Fred. She cared about others and inspired many people with her optimistic attitude. JoAnn enjoyed spoiling and spending countless hours with her two young granddaughters.

From a young age she was interested in dance, dance movies and choreography. She was a dancer and choreographer with the Barre Players. JoAnn's infectious love for dance was shared by her loving daughter Stephanie. She enjoyed reading romance novels written by Johanna Lindsey. She loved cooking and experimenting with recipes and most recently all organic foods.

After running a home daycare, she began her career at The Fitness Center in Berlin as an aerobic instructor. She then became the director at the Woman's Center at Wedgewood Racquet and Fitness Club. In 2000, she worked as the sales and marketing director at the Best Western in Waterbury. Most recently she worked at Central Vermont Medical Center with a loving and supportive group of co-workers. In addition, she was a sales representative for Reliv Nutritional Supplements. Because of her diagnosis of cancer she recently became a consultant for Ava Anderson Non-Toxic products.

Embracing spirituality was paramount in her and Fred's life. Through their connection they were able to enhance each others spiritual levels. Watching snowfalls and blizzards was another way she connected with the universe. Her connection with the universe was an everyday aspect of her life and she evolved over the years from use with tarot, crystals, angels, numerology, psychics, horoscopes and intuitives. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge with everyone around her and her spirit will forever guide and watch over us.

JoAnn enjoyed living a healthy outdoor life spending time reading at the beach, snowshoeing in the woods and biking in the mountains. JoAnn also enjoyed traveling to new places and visiting brew pubs.

Survivors include her husband Fred; her daughter Stephanie (Moore) Tessier and husband Matt; stepchildren Marnie, Jenifer, Katrina, Heather and Adam; her parents Jack and Jackie Beaudoin of Orange; brothers and sisters, Denise Singleton, Sue Chaloux, Lee Beaudoin, Jill Bourgoine, Lisa Beaudoin, and Robert Beaudoin; granddaughters Giuliana and Gabriella and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can made to Appendix Cancer Connection, PO Box 734, Crown Point, IN 46308.