Joann Hunt

JOANN MARIE HUNT

Cedar Rapids

Joann Marie Hunt, 70, beloved mother, grand-mother, wife and friend, passed away late Sunday night, May 27, 2018, after a long illness.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, David Hunt; son, Jeffrey Estensen; granddaughter, Halla Merriman, both of Fairbanks, Alaska; sister, Phyllis Nordholm; brother, David Schade; many nieces and nephews; and numerous great friends. Among her many friends, Pamela Bierl and Shelley Greene were especially close. Joann's family also included her beloved cats, Dakota and Celine, as well as Izzy, who is reuniting with Joann at the Rainbow Bridge.

Joann was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Estensen; her parents, Myron and Milgard Schade; and her sister, Karen Grumbine.

Joann was born in Sac City, Iowa, on June 20, 1947, and moved to Cedar Rapids around 1966. Joann easily made friends as she worked at various jobs, including Von Maur, the White Elephant and the Cedar Rapids school system, especially the Nixon Elementary cafeteria. She also volunteered at Usher's Ferry and had many interests, like shabby chic design, making candles, basket weaving, refinishing furniture and gardening. Among Joann's special joys were having margaritas with friends and traveling to Alaska to visit her son and granddaughter.

Joann's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and Mercy Hospice, and especially Bonnie Seely with Mercy Palliative Care who formed a special bond.

A celebration of Joann's life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 1, at the Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Joann's honor may be sent to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com.