Joan Marie Lawlor, 63

Joan Marie Lawlor (also known as Debra Brown), 63, passed away peacefully from natural causes Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish. She was born to Robert and Joyce Lawlor in Kalispell on April 5, 1945, and was raised in Whitefish.

After high school, she attended college in Great Falls for a while and did well academically, but ultimately chose to become a homemaker. She married Daniel Wickersheim and moved to Seattle, where they had two wonderful children together. Joan also lived in San Francisco for many years and eventually settled in Florence, Ore. Three years ago, she moved back to Montana and lived in Helena. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, she came home to Whitefish and spent her last year in the valley she loved the most.

Joan was a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mother. But most of all, she was a friend. With her bright eyes and easy laugh, this intelligent and beautiful woman was a humble soul who gave much and asked for little. She will live forever in our hearts.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Robert Lawlor; and her mother, Joyce Cleveland.

She is survived by her former husband, Daniel Wickersheim, of Seattle; daughter, Mary Jo Webb, of Seattle; son, Daniel Wickersheim Jr., of Seattle; granddaughters, Holly Martin and Heidi Webb, of Seattle; grandson, Tyler Wickersheim, of Florence; great-grandson, Jordan Wickersheim, of Florence; brothers, Dennis Lawlor of Polson, Timothy Lawlor of Helena, Ryan Lawlor of Kalispell, and Thomas Lawlor of Kalispell; sister, Theresa Lawlor, of Helena; also, various nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Austin Funeral Home is handling the cremation, and Joan's ashes will be interred next to her mother in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery after private services.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Colonial Manor for their loving care and to all the residents who befriended Joan and gave her comfort.