Joanne Lesser Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joanne Louise Lundquist Lesser passed away on October 23, 2020, in Provo, Utah. She was born on May 11, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Roy Lundquist and Leila Cotterell, making it a very special Mother’s Day. As the elder sister, Joanne adored her younger brothers Richard (Dick) and John (Jak). The family moved west and then east as a consequence of the Depression; together they formed a string trio and developed a love for music that became an influence for generations. Joanne graduated from Withrow University Highschool in Ohio before attending the University of Cincinnati, earning degrees in both education and the applied arts. She held the title of valedictorian with the highest grade average among 450 students and often shared this accomplishment with her children and grandchildren to inspire them to strive for excellence. On July 10, 1952, she was sealed to Richard Hal Lesser in the Logan, Utah, LDS temple for time and all eternity. Hal described their love story as “one with all the ingredients of a classic fifties Hollywood musical.” When Hal introduced Joanne to the restorative grandeur of Yosemite’s mountains, she was an immediate convert. Their growing family spent their vacation time deepening their connections, developing self-reliance, and opening themselves to the possibilities of experience as Joanne, Hal, Rick, Cindy, Cris, Diana, and Steve camped and backpacked together. On their own, Hal and Joanne enjoyed traveling via motorcycle. Joanne enthusiastically supported Hal as she enjoyed the wind (and bugs) in her face, seated behind him on the Goldwing, as they toured in awe the majesty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and other national parks. As sweethearts for over 60 years before Hal’s passing in 2014, their recent reunion was assuredly sweet and long awaited by both. A devoted mother, Joanne nurtured the personalities and talents of her five children, instilling in them her love of learning and the mysteries of the world around them. Deeply spiritual by nature, Joanne was a woman ahead of her time; she practiced self-care before it was popular, respecting the connection between mind, body, and soul as she worked to understand the tensions that divide heaven from earth both literally and symbolically. The illumination and insight generated by her spiritual exploration was shared directly through her testimony and counsel as well as her creativity. Joanne connected with all things artistic, whether it was through her gift of creating gourmet food and baked goods for friends and family or making handmade cards for loved ones. As a gifted illustrator and painter, she saw the artist in both herself and others. Joanne discovered, encouraged, and cultivated the creative abilities of those lucky enough to be in her circle. She felt that artistry was indicative of an inherent grand design and the Master’s touch on each soul. Her rare ability to lovingly teach and then allow those gifts to flourish was a gift to her family. While she was learned and wise in many subjects, she took the time to learn about the passions of her children and grandchildren in ways that assured them that she found them both meaningful and delightful. This made certain they always felt valued and that their pursuits were worthwhile. Her optimistic outlook on life and the eternities will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Rick (Karen) Lesser, Cynthia Lesser, Cristine (Peter) Robinson, Diana (James Lucas Leavitt) Telfer, Steven (Danielle) Lesser, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Joanne was preceded in death by her mother, father, brothers and her husband. A private family Graveside Service will be held Friday, October 30th at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Memorial Services will be held that same day at 2:00 pm at the Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport, 307 North Admiral Byrd Rd, Salt Lake City, UT.

Joanne Lesser

May 11, 1930 - October 23, 2020

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