Joanne P Cipolla

Joanne, Jo, “Grandy” was born on April 4, 19…she would kill us if we told you, in Brilliant, British Columbia.  A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch, nurse, and Gonzaga Prep’s #1 cheerleader passed away peacefully on July 23, 2018.  She is survived by her loving children: G. Mark and Brook (Parkes) Cipolla, Victor M. Cipolla, Anne Cipolla, John and Susie (Mortenson) Cipolla, Tia (Cipolla) and Todd Lindstrom; six beloved grandchildren: Christen Young and James Bailey, Taylor, Rory, and Paden Cipolla, Dominic and Kendal Lindstrom; five great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Adam and Mollie Rose Cipolla; Tony and Kelly Bailey; also her fabulous siblings, Sharon (Platt) and Gerald Fabbro and John and Darilyn Platt;  as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.  Joanne grew up in Trail, British Columbia and attended nursing school at St. Paul’s in Vancouver, B.C. She moved to the United States where she worked at Children’s Hospital and met her husband Victor S. Cipolla.  After starting their family, they journeyed across the United States and landed in Spokane, Washington.  Joanne was a pillar of faith as she devoted herself to her children and her community.  From teaching cooking classes at St. Francis of Assisi to chairing the Gonzaga Prep auction, her energy was contagious and unwavering.  She was always first in line with love and support to friends and family during good times and bad. After her children were raised and her husband Victor passed, Joanne moved into pastoral care at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center to spiritually support those in need.  Joanne remarried a fellow Canadian, (another Italian!), trusted friend and companion, Gene Secco. They enjoyed many adventures including residing and skiing in Whistler, cruises and traveling.  As a grandmother, Grandy was always the hero and spoiled her grandchildren in any way she could. Sneaking cookies under the table at the lake and giving every yes, the parents said no to, Grandy knew the answer to everything. Slumber parties in Grandy’s bed came often, and her snuggles were unending. No matter the moment, Grandy was always ready to give anything she could, including her strong opinions and her blessing at the end. She always made a fashion statement with her extraordinary style and had a second home in Nordstrom. Spontaneous song and dance came naturally to her, and she made her stage wherever she went. Grandy’s love was steadfast and unconditional; every forehead was blessed with a sign of the cross when saying goodbye and ensuring her love.  A rosary will be held on Thursday, August 2nd, 2018, at 7pm, at St. Thomas More Church, 505 W Saint Thomas More Catholic Church Way, Spokane WA, 99218. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Joanne on Friday, August 3rd, 2018 at 10am at St. Thomas More Church, with Father Pat Kerst officiating. Reception immediately following church service with Interment at 1:00 at Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Anne’s Children’s Home and Family Center, Providence Sacred Heart Pediatrics or Ronald McDonald in Joanne’s name.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne P Cipolla, please visit our floral store.