Joanne Magnolia Simmonds

April 16, 1937 - July 9, 2021

Joanne Margaret Magnolia Simmonds was born to Lou and Lottie Barr Magnolia in White Plains, New York. She moved with her parents and brother, Lee Magnolia (SPHS '51), to San Marino when she was a young girl, graduating from South Pasadena High School. She graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles and went on to pursue post-graduate studies at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo where she met her future husband.

Joanne married Donald Simmonds in July 1960 and the young couple moved to Montana where both of their girls, Beverly and Christine, were born. In 1972 the family moved to Mason City, Iowa, where Joanne spent most of her adult life and developed her most treasured friendships. In 2018 she moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to be closer to Christine.

Joanne was a very creative person and pursued the arts as a painter, weaver, and textile designer through her company, Soundweave Studio LLC. She also worked with special needs children as a teacher's aide while the girls were being raised. As a woman of great conviction, she was passionate about political activism, diplomacy, world peace, and protecting our world and its creatures.

She was an avid reader, loved music, and had a great appreciation for astronomy and our oceans. She was a tender-hearted and sensitive individual who was quick to extend a helping hand to others. She filled her days with music, books, and conversation and was known for her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit.

Joanne is survived by her daughters, Beverly (Roger) Beatty and Christine (James) Andrew, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. She is predeceased by her parents, her former husband, and her brother.

Globe Gazette, July 15, 2021