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JoAnn Hasselbeck

Sep 14, 2016

On the evening of September 9th, 2016, JoAnn (Daigler) Hasselbeck passed away unexpectedly in Portland, Maine. She was with the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Eugene and members of her family when she passed. JoAnn was to turn 89 years young this month and lived an amazingly abundant life of faith, hope and love! All who knew JoAnn were blessed by her kindness, joy, and unrelenting optimism. JoAnn was born September 28th, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, the 2nd child of Irene and William Daigler. She is survived by a large and blessed family including her husband Gene Hasselbeck; and children Amy & Gary, Todd & Barbara, Laurie Jo & Stanley, and Jon & Yolande. Her 14 loving grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 nieces; and 3 great-nephews, were incredibly close to her.

JoAnn grew up in Buffalo, where her father owned and operated a grocery store and meat market. A pioneer in his day, her father moved to the wilderness of Grand Island when JoAnn was in elementary school. She went on to graduate from Bennett High School, and the University at Buffalo where she qualified as a Physical Education Teacher. A favorite gym teacher in the Grand Island schools, she retired after 19 years to care for her mother. Jo Ann came out of retirement to assist her husband at his construction company, bringing life and joy as that business was revitalized.

When JoAnn and Gene retired, they spent most of the year on Sanibel Island, Florida, where they are active members of Sanibel Community Church. They spent summers on Grand Island in the very home they built and loved shortly after their marriage. They were members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and JoAnn served as a Girl Scout leader while in her 60’s to support a lifelong friend. When their son, Jon, planted a new church, they joined NorthGate Christian Community in Williamsville to support his new ministry.

JoAnn loved everything and everybody! People, babies, dogs, horses, food, art, flowers and especially chocolate! A loyal friend, ardent encourager, gracious hostess, great listener, avid tennis player and skier, amazing cook, creative artist, faithful friend to the sick, and fudge maker to those studying for tests.

The world is a much brighter place for the life of JoAnn Hasselbeck and heaven is a richer place today!

Visitation was held Thursday September 15th & Friday September 16th at the Kaiser Funeral Home, Grand Island, NY. Funeral services were held at NorthGate Christian Community Church, Williamsville, NY on Saturday, September 17th.