Joanie A. Stephenson

JOANIE A. STEPHENSON Aurora, Colorado Born in Slayton, Minnesota on August 27, 1944 Entered Her Eternal Life on January 15, 2007 Joanie was born Joan Adell Quaintance on August 27, 1944 in Slayton, Minnesota. She was one of nine children (Ronald, Carol, Janice, Robert, Judith, Jacklyn, Julie and Randall) born to Kenneth and Lorayne Quaintance. Joanie grew up in Slayton, graduated from Slayton High School in 1962, lived in Minneapolis for a short period of time, then returned home to Slayton where she married Richard Stephenson on August 27, 1966 and for the rest of her life, was devoted to providing support and a loving home for Dick and their daughters, Michelle and Melissa (Missy), as his...(and her)...career in the United States Air Force took them to Florida, California, Puerto Rico, Washington, Hawaii and Delaware before finally settling in Aurora, Colorado in 1981. Joanie is survived by her husband, daughters Michelle and Melissa (Missy), grandsons, Jeremy and Justin (sons of Missy and Brian Ehlers), her eight brothers and sisters, many nieces, nephews and others of her extended family. Although she had success in her dental assistant, retail sales management, in-home Childcare Provider and administrative assistant "mini" careers, Joanie's husband, children and grandsons, family and many friends were the focus and light of her life. Throughout her life, she chose to stay at home to provide a loving, supportive and nurturing home for her two daughters and husband and...best of all...being a Grandma and caring for her grandsons, Jeremy and Justin, "THE BOYS", (especially giving those special "Grandma back rubs")! Joanie had an incredible memory and never forgot a name, birthday or anything for that matter (including her "honey-do" list!). She enjoyed craft fairs, doing arts & crafts, counter cross-stitch, country music and most of all, spending time with friends and family, especially on their "special days" and holidays. She was famous for her homemade bread, calico beans and pasta salad among other "must haves" at family gatherings. She may not have seen you often, but she thought of you always... This world and all the people she touched were indeed blessed by Joanie's sweet, but all too short, stay with us and we will cherish the many wonderful memories she gave us all until we meet again... Over the last several years Joanie remained loving, courageous and dignified as she battled a long term illness. Donations may be made in memory of Joanie Stephenson to: CURE PSP @ www.psp.org, The American Cancer Society or a charity of their choice.