Sadly, we announce the passing of Joanna L Richardson of Walton, mother, wife, friend, sister, and cherished member of our community. She left us on August 22, 2026 at the age of 83. Born on April 20, 1943 in Waterbury, Connecticut to Grace and Neil Lorensen, Joanna’s years were filled with kindness, warmth and love for all those around her.

Her early years were spent in Connecticut, growing up in Watertown and starting her teaching career in Southbury, CT. Her love of teaching led her through a career ranging from teaching middle school English; working with urban youth; and teaching children with severe disabilities. When she moved to Walton in 1974, she worked with very young children in their homes through the Public Health Early Intervention program. No matter the age of the students or their condition in life, she gave her all to their education. This was shown on so many occasions when past students or their parents would contact her to thank her for being their teacher. Recently, one of her middle school students tracked her down and sent her a book of poetry she had written, along with a lengthy letter filled with memories of Joanna’s classroom,.

Her love of young people extended way beyond the classroom. The home she created was a welcoming place for anyone needing support - children or adults. Along with several friends she created Mothers Day Out - a volunteer program to give mothers of young children some free time.

But it wasn’t just people that she had a passion for. She loved her flowers. She loved growing them, she loved arranging them, she loved giving them. For years she helped with the flower show at the county fair. Later she was involved in the Beautification Committee which involved placing flowers downtown.

She loved being with her many friends and loved spending time with husband, Jim, her parents, sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews at the family cottage at the shore in Rhode Island. Travel didn’t stop there however. There were many trips throughout the United States by car, motor home and train.

Joanna loved life and loved being involved in her community. She served for many years on the Board of Education, and was a founding member of Music on the Delaware.

She was predeceased by brother Bradley Lorensen and sister Mary Lou Rodia.

Joanna is survived by Jim, her husband of 55 years, her son Aaron and wife Sarah of Walton, along with their sons Ivan and AJ; daughter Abby and husband Vin of Westminster Vermont, her brother Neil Lorensen of Fort Pierce, Florida, sister Chris and husband Mark Butler of Raleigh, North Carolina, and sister Alice and husband Fletcher Ostrander of Southbury, Connecticut.

There will be a celebration of her life this fall at a date to be determined.

Donations in Joanna’s memory can be sent to Helios Care in Oneonta or Delaware Valley Hospital.