Obituary of Lola JoAnne Washburn

Lola JoAnne Washburn passed away Nov. 28, 2016. "Lola Ironing Board", Mom, Gramma, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Co-Worker: In her words, " I HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE " Jo was born to Harold and Mary (Meglen) Baland in Duluth, on June 5, 1931. She attended school in Virginia, and graduated from Roosevelt HS in 1949. Jo proudly received her BSN degree in 1953 from The College of St, Teresa in Winona, Minn., and started to date high school friend Dick Washburn. As she said, "It was written in the stars". They were married May 1, 1954. As Mrs. Richard Washburn, she (they) were blessed with six children, Rick, Jeff, Scott, Todd, Mark and Amy. During the kids' growing up years, Jo was involved in Cub Scouts, was PTA President at West Jr High School, and Guild President at St. James Church. Following many volunteer positions, she was the RN Supervisor at Lake Haven Manor (now Northshore Estates) for 18 years, St. Anne's Residence Supervisor for six years, and finally was a Senior Companion for St. Louis County for 12 more years. Jo was a tour guide for Sandy's Travels (Duluth) and traveled extensively abroad, and visited London and New York City many times. During her travels, she met (and had breakfast with!) Henny Youngman, Tony Bennett, Bruce Willis (behind her at a theater in NYC), and chatted with Goldie Hawn and Drew Barrymore at the Plaza Hotel. Jo also appeared in the movie "Falling in Love" with Meryl Streep / Robert DeNiro - she happened to be at the right place at the right time during the filming in NYC while she exited Tiffany's. Jo also made many bus trips via Cloquet Transit throughout the years - Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Renaissance Festival, Children's Museum - She provided the outlet for many to enjoy some of the best things life had to offer. Jo is survived by her husband, Richard of 62 years; sons, Richard Jr, Jeffrey (Brenda), Scott, Todd, Mark; daughter, Amy; sister, Kathleen O'Neill, of New Prague, Minn.; and brother, Gene Baland of Lake Vermillion, Minn.; grandchildren, Kara, Jayme, Jason, Kristin, Shane, Emily, and Nick; great great-grandchildren Eleanor, Alice, Rylie, Sam, and Mia. Extended fabulous family and friends are also gratefully included in this loving tribute. GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass Saturday, Dec. 10, in St. James Catholic Church, 721 N. 57th Ave. W. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, 218-624-5200. Sign the Guestbook