Joan Ellen Garrett Larson peacefully passed away on June 20, 2024, in Edgewater, Florida at Brilliance Assisted Living Facility surrounded by her loving family.
Joan was born on June 19, 1956, in Des Moines, Iowa to Hassell Herman Garrett and Marilyn Carver Garrett. Joan graduated from Burlington Community High School in 1974. She was a legal secretary at the Cahill, Dietrich, and Schilling Law firm. Her professionalism was matched only by her deep empathy, which endeared her to colleagues and clients alike. Joan lived in Burlington, Iowa until moving to her happy place, New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 2020.
Known affectionately as Joanie, she found immense joy in simple pleasures and cherished moments spent with friends and family. Her vibrant spirit shone brightly in Zumba, Lunch Bunch, Bunco, dancing, and scrapbooking activities. Joanie’s contagious smile and zest for life left a lasting mark on everyone she met.
Joan is survived by her husband Keith Larson, her daughters Sarah Modrell (Ry Vold), Emily Weyls (Derek Burns), Abby Hagerla (Tyler), Chelsea Amundson (Ryan), grandchildren, Gabrielle Modrell (Blake Leatherwood), Dylan Modrell (Kyia Martin), Killian and Xander Burns, Max, Mia & Ace Hagerla, Ryker, Sawyer, and Cayson Amundson, her mother Marilyn Garrett, brother Scott Garrett (Chris), sister Rita Carlson (Mark) and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her father Hassell Garrett.
Joan’s legacy of love, happiness, and family will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her radiant smile will forever remind us to embrace life’s joys and cherish every precious moment.
The memorial for Joanie will take place on August 17 at First United Methodist Church in Burlington. Visitation will be held from 11 to 12:30, followed by a memorial service at 12:30. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Attendees are invited to wear colorful attire in celebration of Joanie's lively personality.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Joan’s honor to www.heartsongiowa.org, a Nonprofit Organization/Adult Daycare Center for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.