KASSA, Joanne (Blixt) 1938 - 2021
Joanne (Blixt) Kassa was born on February 21, 1938 in Helena, MT to John A. and Margaret (McGee) Blixt, joining her older sister Arlene. Joanne's father was a miner and the family lived in various mining communities in the Helena and Butte areas. Her mother succumbed to tuberculosis when Joanne was just 2 years old. Her father remarried Anne Mayer and they had two children together, Myron (Sonny) and Anita. When Joanne was 6 years old, her father also died of tuberculosis.
Arlene and Joanne were then taken in by their paternal aunt and uncle, who raised the two girls in the Finnish community of Wickes, MT and later, on a ranch in the Helena Valley. The girls enjoyed living on the ranch and being outdoors and this is where they began their life-long love of horses, dogs and other animals. Joanne enjoyed the friendship of her classmates at Helena High School and always felt she was a member of that class, attending many class reunions and re-connecting with her high school friends every few years. During her final year of high school, Joanne moved to Spokane where she completed her senior year at Rogers High School, living with her step-mother, Anne.
In 1959 she married Virgil Kassa. They raised their 5 children in North Spokane where they were parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The parish and the school would play a tremendous role in their lives and it was there that Joanne was blessed with many cherished, life-long friendships. Joanne knew many struggles throughout her life. Her faith sustained her- she never despaired. She trusted in God and He provided. Perhaps because she lost her own mother at such a young age, she found comfort in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
Although Joanne's primary vocation was as a mother and homemaker, she was also a gifted artist, drawing, painting, and sculpting in great detail from memory. Joanne was a hard worker and was generous with her talent and treasure. She had a sharp sense of humor, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially her family, music, animals, and her flower gardens. Her family was her highest priority. She set a good example in what it means to be a mother, giving extra doses of love to each of her children in the times they needed it most.
She made a loving home for her children and their friends, always welcoming any of them, even after her children were grown. Her grandchildren considered Grammy Jo's house on Westmont to be their second home, where the snack cupboard was usually stocked with Oreos, Pringles, suckers, and gum, and G. Jo was always eager for a chat or a laugh with them. When her visitors departed, they could be sure that she would be on her front porch waving goodbye until they were out of sight.
During the last two years of her life, Joanne lived at Fairwood Memory Care, where she died May 10, 2021 surrounded by her children who love her so much. Her family is profoundly grateful for the excellent and loving care she received at Fairwood, especially this past year when family could not be with her due to the Corona virus. In addition, Horizon Hospice showed Joanne and her family comfort and care during this last year.
Joanne is survived by her children and grandchildren: Julie and Sam Hogenson (Sara, Sam, and Anna), Lisa and Todd Kowitz (Cecily and Alaina), Angie and Don Sagendorf (Megan Jo and Nick), Tim and Tanya Kassa (Natalie, Mitchell and Laurel) and Patti Jo and Kevin Kuttner (Ben, Max and Andrew). She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren- Timber Rose, Elijah Francis and Joanna Mae. She is survived by her brother Myron (Sonny) Blixt and sister Anita Bogart, both of Spokane. Joanne also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Blixt, as well as her sister Arlene Tenneson.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, June 4 at 11:00 am. As per Joanne's wish to return to Montana to be buried with the Blixt family, ash interment will be held at the Jefferson City Cemetery, Montana on June 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's name to Horizon Hospice of Spokane or St. Thomas More Catholic School.
Published in Spokesman-Review on May 30, 2021
Joanne (Blixt) Kassa was born on February 21, 1938 in Helena, MT to John A. and Margaret (McGee) Blixt, joining her older sister Arlene. Joanne's father was a miner and the family lived in various mining communities in the Helena and Butte areas. Her mother succumbed to tuberculosis when Joanne was just 2 years old. Her father remarried Anne Mayer and they had two children together, Myron (Sonny) and Anita. When Joanne was 6 years old, her father also died of tuberculosis.
Arlene and Joanne were then taken in by their paternal aunt and uncle, who raised the two girls in the Finnish community of Wickes, MT and later, on a ranch in the Helena Valley. The girls enjoyed living on the ranch and being outdoors and this is where they began their life-long love of horses, dogs and other animals. Joanne enjoyed the friendship of her classmates at Helena High School and always felt she was a member of that class, attending many class reunions and re-connecting with her high school friends every few years. During her final year of high school, Joanne moved to Spokane where she completed her senior year at Rogers High School, living with her step-mother, Anne.
In 1959 she married Virgil Kassa. They raised their 5 children in North Spokane where they were parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The parish and the school would play a tremendous role in their lives and it was there that Joanne was blessed with many cherished, life-long friendships. Joanne knew many struggles throughout her life. Her faith sustained her- she never despaired. She trusted in God and He provided. Perhaps because she lost her own mother at such a young age, she found comfort in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
Although Joanne's primary vocation was as a mother and homemaker, she was also a gifted artist, drawing, painting, and sculpting in great detail from memory. Joanne was a hard worker and was generous with her talent and treasure. She had a sharp sense of humor, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially her family, music, animals, and her flower gardens. Her family was her highest priority. She set a good example in what it means to be a mother, giving extra doses of love to each of her children in the times they needed it most.
She made a loving home for her children and their friends, always welcoming any of them, even after her children were grown. Her grandchildren considered Grammy Jo's house on Westmont to be their second home, where the snack cupboard was usually stocked with Oreos, Pringles, suckers, and gum, and G. Jo was always eager for a chat or a laugh with them. When her visitors departed, they could be sure that she would be on her front porch waving goodbye until they were out of sight.
During the last two years of her life, Joanne lived at Fairwood Memory Care, where she died May 10, 2021 surrounded by her children who love her so much. Her family is profoundly grateful for the excellent and loving care she received at Fairwood, especially this past year when family could not be with her due to the Corona virus. In addition, Horizon Hospice showed Joanne and her family comfort and care during this last year.
Joanne is survived by her children and grandchildren: Julie and Sam Hogenson (Sara, Sam, and Anna), Lisa and Todd Kowitz (Cecily and Alaina), Angie and Don Sagendorf (Megan Jo and Nick), Tim and Tanya Kassa (Natalie, Mitchell and Laurel) and Patti Jo and Kevin Kuttner (Ben, Max and Andrew). She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren- Timber Rose, Elijah Francis and Joanna Mae. She is survived by her brother Myron (Sonny) Blixt and sister Anita Bogart, both of Spokane. Joanne also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Blixt, as well as her sister Arlene Tenneson.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, June 4 at 11:00 am. As per Joanne's wish to return to Montana to be buried with the Blixt family, ash interment will be held at the Jefferson City Cemetery, Montana on June 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's name to Horizon Hospice of Spokane or St. Thomas More Catholic School.
Published in Spokesman-Review on May 30, 2021
KASSA, Joanne (Blixt) 1938 - 2021
Joanne (Blixt) Kassa was born on February 21, 1938 in Helena, MT to John A. and Margaret (McGee) Blixt, joining her older sister Arlene. Joanne's father was a miner and the family lived in various mining communities in the Helena and Butte areas. Her mother succumbed to tuberculosis when Joanne was just 2 years old. Her father remarried Anne Mayer and they had two children together, Myron (Sonny) and Anita. When Joanne was 6 years old, her father also died of tuberculosis.
Arlene and Joanne were then taken in by their paternal aunt and uncle, who raised the two girls in the Finnish community of Wickes, MT and later, on a ranch in the Helena Valley. The girls enjoyed living on the ranch and being outdoors and this is where they began their life-long love of horses, dogs and other animals. Joanne enjoyed the friendship of her classmates at Helena High School and always felt she was a member of that class, attending many class reunions and re-connecting with her high school friends every few years. During her final year of high school, Joanne moved to Spokane where she completed her senior year at Rogers High School, living with her step-mother, Anne.
In 1959 she married Virgil Kassa. They raised their 5 children in North Spokane where they were parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The parish and the school would play a tremendous role in their lives and it was there that Joanne was blessed with many cherished, life-long friendships. Joanne knew many struggles throughout her life. Her faith sustained her- she never despaired. She trusted in God and He provided. Perhaps because she lost her own mother at such a young age, she found comfort in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
Although Joanne's primary vocation was as a mother and homemaker, she was also a gifted artist, drawing, painting, and sculpting in great detail from memory. Joanne was a hard worker and was generous with her talent and treasure. She had a sharp sense of humor, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially her family, music, animals, and her flower gardens. Her family was her highest priority. She set a good example in what it means to be a mother, giving extra doses of love to each of her children in the times they needed it most.
She made a loving home for her children and their friends, always welcoming any of them, even after her children were grown. Her grandchildren considered Grammy Jo's house on Westmont to be their second home, where the snack cupboard was usually stocked with Oreos, Pringles, suckers, and gum, and G. Jo was always eager for a chat or a laugh with them. When her visitors departed, they could be sure that she would be on her front porch waving goodbye until they were out of sight.
During the last two years of her life, Joanne lived at Fairwood Memory Care, where she died May 10, 2021 surrounded by her children who love her so much. Her family is profoundly grateful for the excellent and loving care she received at Fairwood, especially this past year when family could not be with her due to the Corona virus. In addition, Horizon Hospice showed Joanne and her family comfort and care during this last year.
Joanne is survived by her children and grandchildren: Julie and Sam Hogenson (Sara, Sam, and Anna), Lisa and Todd Kowitz (Cecily and Alaina), Angie and Don Sagendorf (Megan Jo and Nick), Tim and Tanya Kassa (Natalie, Mitchell and Laurel) and Patti Jo and Kevin Kuttner (Ben, Max and Andrew). She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren- Timber Rose, Elijah Francis and Joanna Mae. She is survived by her brother Myron (Sonny) Blixt and sister Anita Bogart, both of Spokane. Joanne also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Blixt, as well as her sister Arlene Tenneson.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, June 4 at 11:00 am. As per Joanne's wish to return to Montana to be buried with the Blixt family, ash interment will be held at the Jefferson City Cemetery, Montana on June 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's name to Horizon Hospice of Spokane or St. Thomas More Catholic School.
Published in Spokesman-Review on May 30, 2021
Joanne (Blixt) Kassa was born on February 21, 1938 in Helena, MT to John A. and Margaret (McGee) Blixt, joining her older sister Arlene. Joanne's father was a miner and the family lived in various mining communities in the Helena and Butte areas. Her mother succumbed to tuberculosis when Joanne was just 2 years old. Her father remarried Anne Mayer and they had two children together, Myron (Sonny) and Anita. When Joanne was 6 years old, her father also died of tuberculosis.
Arlene and Joanne were then taken in by their paternal aunt and uncle, who raised the two girls in the Finnish community of Wickes, MT and later, on a ranch in the Helena Valley. The girls enjoyed living on the ranch and being outdoors and this is where they began their life-long love of horses, dogs and other animals. Joanne enjoyed the friendship of her classmates at Helena High School and always felt she was a member of that class, attending many class reunions and re-connecting with her high school friends every few years. During her final year of high school, Joanne moved to Spokane where she completed her senior year at Rogers High School, living with her step-mother, Anne.
In 1959 she married Virgil Kassa. They raised their 5 children in North Spokane where they were parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The parish and the school would play a tremendous role in their lives and it was there that Joanne was blessed with many cherished, life-long friendships. Joanne knew many struggles throughout her life. Her faith sustained her- she never despaired. She trusted in God and He provided. Perhaps because she lost her own mother at such a young age, she found comfort in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
Although Joanne's primary vocation was as a mother and homemaker, she was also a gifted artist, drawing, painting, and sculpting in great detail from memory. Joanne was a hard worker and was generous with her talent and treasure. She had a sharp sense of humor, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially her family, music, animals, and her flower gardens. Her family was her highest priority. She set a good example in what it means to be a mother, giving extra doses of love to each of her children in the times they needed it most.
She made a loving home for her children and their friends, always welcoming any of them, even after her children were grown. Her grandchildren considered Grammy Jo's house on Westmont to be their second home, where the snack cupboard was usually stocked with Oreos, Pringles, suckers, and gum, and G. Jo was always eager for a chat or a laugh with them. When her visitors departed, they could be sure that she would be on her front porch waving goodbye until they were out of sight.
During the last two years of her life, Joanne lived at Fairwood Memory Care, where she died May 10, 2021 surrounded by her children who love her so much. Her family is profoundly grateful for the excellent and loving care she received at Fairwood, especially this past year when family could not be with her due to the Corona virus. In addition, Horizon Hospice showed Joanne and her family comfort and care during this last year.
Joanne is survived by her children and grandchildren: Julie and Sam Hogenson (Sara, Sam, and Anna), Lisa and Todd Kowitz (Cecily and Alaina), Angie and Don Sagendorf (Megan Jo and Nick), Tim and Tanya Kassa (Natalie, Mitchell and Laurel) and Patti Jo and Kevin Kuttner (Ben, Max and Andrew). She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren- Timber Rose, Elijah Francis and Joanna Mae. She is survived by her brother Myron (Sonny) Blixt and sister Anita Bogart, both of Spokane. Joanne also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Blixt, as well as her sister Arlene Tenneson.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, June 4 at 11:00 am. As per Joanne's wish to return to Montana to be buried with the Blixt family, ash interment will be held at the Jefferson City Cemetery, Montana on June 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's name to Horizon Hospice of Spokane or St. Thomas More Catholic School.
Published in Spokesman-Review on May 30, 2021
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