Joanne Lawson

In the early hours of February 23, 2021 Joanne Lawson passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Joanne will be lovingly missed by her husband of 29 years, Dr. A. Melville Lawson, her 2 daughters, Ronda (Michael) Churchwell and Shelley (Brian) Tritch, and her 2 step-children Michael (Marie) Lawson and Sherry (Robert) Thomas. Joanne is also survived by her sister Luette (Terry) Cowell. She had 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who were the beneficiaries of her loving spirit.

Joanne was born in Austin MN, to Dr. F. Harold and Maurine Rosenthal. She graduated from Union College in Lincoln, NB in 1957. After her move to Ohio in 1986, Joanne worked for many years at the Kettering Hospital Foundation office. She left the Foundation to start her own business, The Basket Gourmet, and will be remembered by many in the community for the lovely gift baskets she created.

Her family remembers her love of quilting, gardening, antiquing, baking, and always giving of herself to make things special for family and friends. We treasure the memories and handmade things she passed on to us and look forward to the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection, when loved ones will be reunited forever.

Joanne was predeceased by her sister Carol Rosenthal, and her brother Jon Rosenthal.

A memorial service will begin at 4 PM on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Rd, Dayton, OH 45419.

Memorial donations in memory of Joanne can be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420.