Joanne Sampsel, Charter Member

A Tribute to Joanne Sampsel

As most of you know Joanne Sampsel passed away this month.  Joanne was one of the original book club members. Memories being what they are at our age....it is comforting to know that we can rely on the Written Word (Linda’s Official List) to keep track of what our brains cannot.   Joanne's first book choice was "Deceptions" by Judith Michael and the second year she picked "Pastures of Heaven" by John Steinbeck.  The third year of Book Club she hosted our first Christmas "Snack Tasting" get together.  As Karen was reminiscing, she recalled that Joanne always was working at home and/or outside the home.  She never was idle. Debbie remembered that Joanne listened to Books on Tape while she ironed. 

It has been suggested we donate a book on tape to the library in her memory.  She was very creative, and the idea of selecting a book on tape seems appropriate.  This tribute celebrates both her pleasures of quilting and cooking and her creativity of participating in Book Club in a way that she could work and enjoy the written word at the same time.

The book “Friday Night Knitting Club” by Kate Jacobs was mentioned. I contacted the library and they already have this book on tape.  Another one of Jacobs books is “Comfort Food” and this is one the library needs.  Open to other suggestions.   

In the meantime let me/Karen Massey know if you would be interested in donating toward this memorial.

Submitted by Karen Massey

Joanne Sampsel was in our book club at the outset, although she dropped out after about a year, as she was not a reader, but a dear friend and neighbor for those of us in the Foster Village subdivision.
She was also a charter member of St Elizabeth's. She passed away on 4-26-12 after a three year battle with cancer.  She was 59.
Submitted by Gloria Hannon