JoAnn DeLazzari passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013 after a ten month battle with brain cancer.
JoAnn was born in Rahway, New Jersey and moved to Washington in 1969.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 45 years, Tom; her son, James; daughter-in-law, Jenevive; and grandsons, Liber and Leif. She also leaves behind her mother, Jean Stoecker; sisters, Charlene (John) Everett, Terry (Don) Conyers; brother, Chip (Diane) Stoecker; and many nieces, nephews; great nieces and nephews.
JoAnn was a published author of four romance novels and other short stories. She was very active in the Marysville School District from 1977 to 1990, winning Five Golden Acorn Awards, sitting as a School Board member, and being named Lay Educator of the Year for her work in Community Education. She also pioneered the Buckle up for Safety campaign, writing the initial grant and sketching the symbol we see all around our State today. She fought for all our children, working with school levy committees, Christmas Club of Giving, Toys for Tots, the Oscar Program, and even Pennies for Puppies.
JoAnn co-owned the Bookworks with her life long friend, Vivian Frazier for five and one-half years.
One of JoAnn's other passions was her job at Healing the Children, a nonprofit providing medical care for children in need. She organized many Medical Team trips to many different countries, she helped in the process of bringing children here to the USA for medical care, and she was a dedicated volunteer. Long after retiring, she remained a supporter of Healing the Children.
Even from home, in her last years she wrote many letters to the editor or politicians trying to leave the world a better placeā€¦ and she did.
There will be a "Celebration of her Life" on Sunday, May 19, 2013 open to public walk through from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., located at Crystal Tree Village Clubhouse, 16600 25th Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98271.
In lieu of flowers please donate to:
Healing the Children
8227 44th AVE W
Suite M
Mukilteo, WA 98275