JoAnn Jean Groth

While the last 3 months have been very difficult and painful, we take tremendous comfort and joy in knowing they are together again; and we certainly felt a shift in the universe as true love overcame suffering and sorrow, restoring our faith in the good in the world and one another.

JoAnn was one of the most kind, beautiful, loving, and gentle souls the world has ever known, equaled only by her strength and determination to love and care for others (as well as every squirrel, bird, bunny, dog, etc. that had the good fortune to come her way). She was brilliant beyond compare, and had the secret to a happy and successful life figured out from the jump - it's simply pure love for others.

We consider ourselves fortunate beyond measure to have known such a genuine love to nurture, protect, guide and shape our lives and intend to move forward by emulating that loving example as best we can.

JoAnn is survived by daughters Christine (Dana) Nelson and Jennifer (Marty) Milan; her grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Leo, Ali and Ben; sister-in-law, Patricia Gannaway; lifelong friends, Margery Rosenthal and Ruthie Fain; and extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Cerenity Marian, as well as the entire Beyond Hospice team for the incredible care, compassion, and loving support given during this difficult time; we will be forever grateful.

A gathering to celebrate JoAnn will take place Thursday, November 9 at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Ave., Saint Paul. Visitation at 10 – 11 AM, with a small memorial service at 11 AM, followed by a private graveside committal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Humane Society in her honor.

And in the spirit of our little spitfire mom who had the heart of a lion and the soul of an angel, don't forget to fill your bird feeders ahead of these cold winter months to come.