Joanne F. Taylor

She was born on September 4, 1936 in Escanaba, daughter to Herbert J. and Lilas C. (Hurley) LaCrosse. Joanne graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1955 and then continued on to Upper Peninsula Beauty Academy in 1956.

In 1965, Joanne LaCrosse married Albert Taylor. Joanne and Al, who was an engineer, traveled extensively for his work. They lived in Texas, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Montana. While in Texas, Joanne attended University of Houston Real Estate School and was a realtor in Houston, Texas for two years. Albert preceded her in death on November 15, 1976.

She owned and operated LaPetite Hair Salon in Escanaba and then LaPetite II in Ford River for over 40 years, retiring in 2010.

Joanne was blessed to love again and married Harold Olson on November 27, 2010. They enjoyed traveling during their retirement and spent most of their Sunday afternoons visiting and praying with the residents of the Bishop Noa Home. Harold passed away on February 23, 2023.

Joanne was a member of St. Anne’s Church and over the years was active in the choir, church council, altar server, lector, served as a Eucharistic Minister and a facilitator for the RCIA Program. She graduated from the Diocese of Marquette Lay Minister Program in 1998 and Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction in Clearwater, FL affiliation of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2002.

She was active in the Cursillo movement in Escanaba and met with her weekly prayer group, Janet Lindstrom, Sandy Krebs, Sheila Hansen, and Lori Kleiman for over 40 years.

Joanne belonged to the Partners for Profit Investment Club, the Cosmetology Association, Delphians Literary Club, and Charismatic Renewal in Texas. She volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul in Escanaba and was a Dancing Granny.

Joanne had a great love for her family and friends, especially her prayer group and special friends, Sally Briggs and Marlene Adams.

She loved nature, feeding and caring for all animals, gardening, painting, playing tennis, and traveling. She loved jazz music and swing and tap dancing.

Among survivors include her nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, Dennis (Maria) Clark, Nicholas (Suzy) Srock, Mary LeQuia, Catherine (Don) Carlson, Linda Benike, Lorraine “Lala” Hughes, Rosemary (Gregg) Hendrickson, Michael (Candy) McGeary, David (Leslie) McGeary, Mary Ellen McGeary, and Dennis (Louisa) McGeary; stepchildren, Kathy Hovatter and Chris Olson; and step grandchildren, Nicole (Mario) Leon and Eric Hovatter.

In addition to her parents and husbands; she was preceded in death by sisters, Lorraine (Stanley) Srock and Rosemary (Morton) McGeary; nephews, Willard Clark, Stephen McGeary, Thomas LeQuia, Terry Benike, and Daniel Hughes.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 25th from 3 – 5 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 5 p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pregnancy Services of Delta County.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.