Annie Lovell
January 28, 2008January 30
January 30, 2008
Posted Tuesday, January 29, 2008
It was with courage and joy that Joanne Theresa Delaune, 51, began her journey into her new life on Monday. Her family and friends were with her through a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
A native of Lockport and resident of Metairie, Joanne graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing in 1978 as a registered nurse, from Loyola with a BSN in 1997 and was a Certified Diabetes Educator. Joanne’s greatest calling was her dedication and commitment to children and their health.
As a committed volunteer to the Lions Camp for Diabetic Youth, Joanne acted in many capacities before serving as the Director of Nursing for several years. She encouraged and motivated Louisiana children immeasurably through education and fun.
As a Regional Clinical Coordinator with Genentech, Joanne helped educate countless medical professionals about endocrinology and the appropriate use of growth hormone. She previously held pediatric nursing positions at Ochsner Clinic, Children’s Hospital and Charity Hospital. She was an active member and past leader in the Southeast Louisiana Association of Diabetes Educators, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society, American Diabetes Association New Orleans Chapter, Society of Pediatric Nurses and Endocrine Nursing Society. Among many honors, Joanne was named a “Great 100” by the New Orleans District Nurses Association.
Joanne enjoyed fishing and spending time at the family’s Grand Isle camp, Delaune’s Ace High, which became a retreat for many. She was a wonderful hostess and fabulous cook who loved making people feel welcome. She enjoyed traveling and creating memories with friends and family. Mardi Gras was a favorite time of year. She was an esteemed member of MOMS Carnival Krewe.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, William “Bill” Walker; her mother Patricia McNamara Groetsch of Metairie; her father Alfred C. Delaune of Lockport; sisters Marie Delaune Michel of Lockport, Catherine Delaune of New Orleans, Michelle Delaune of Dallas; brothers Alfred “Freddie” Delaune Jr. of Lockport and Michael Delaune of Thibodaux; and in-laws Darlene Adams Delaune, Stephanie Daigle Delaune, Jeannine “Jenny” Walker Oates, Aimee Lynn Walker, and Theodore G. Walker, Jr. She was “Nanny Jo” to nieces, nephews, godchildren and many more.
She was preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Delaune; grandparents Sidney and Josephine Claudet Delaune of Lockport and James “Bill” and Elise Kelly McNamara of New Orleans.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 612 Main St., Lockport, La on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Internment will follow in Holy Savior Catholic Cemetery. Visitation Thursday evening at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Friday morning at church from 10:00 AM until funeral time. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the Charity School of Nursing Alumni Association, 450 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (www.lustgarten.org) are preferred. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
