Joan Constance Germano Lawlor

Joan Constance Germano Lawlor of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on August 14, 2011 at the age of 61. Joni was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and caregiver to many. Joni was born in New York City on June 24, 1950, to the late Anthony and Sarah Germano. Her family moved to Jacksonville when she was four years old where she attended Christ the King Elementary School and Bishop Kenny High School (C/O 1968). She attended St. Vincents Hospital School of Nursing and later obtained her BSN from UNF, graduating magna cum laude. She married her high school sweetheart, John Lawlor. Joni and John enjoyed travelling, long weekends at their lakehouse in Keystone Heights, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Many know Joni as Nurse Joni. Joni had a 38 year nursing career, most of which was spent as a pediatric oncology nurse at Nemours Childrens Clinic and Wolfson Childrens Hospital. Joni was active in her profession. She was a founding member and officer of the Florida Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses and the North Florida Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Joni was active in charitable endeavors also. She was a founder of the CHILD Cancer Fund and served on the Pediatric Cancer Committee of the Florida Chapter of the American Cancer Society. She was an active member of Assumption Catholic Church where she served through St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Circle, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Christ Renews His Parish. Jonis compassion, joy, energy, kindness, patience, love, sense of humor, wisdom, generosity, and great faith and trust in God touched many deeply. She lived by the motto, God first, family second, community third, and dont forget to have some fun. Joni is survived by husband John; daughters Sarah (Kevin) Troup, Mary (Patrick) Barry, and son Josh (Irina) Lawlor; 4 grandchildren - Leah, Kyle, Joseph, and Sophia; 4 siblings - Chrissy (Donald) Smith, Ross (Claudia) Germano, Robin (David) Hesford, Tommy (Nancy) Germano; and brothers and sisters by marriage, Jim (Jenny) Lawlor, Patty (Tommy) Thompson; and parents by marriage John and Frances Lawlor. A Vigil service and celebration of Jonis life will be held at Assumption Catholic Church at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 18. The family will receive visitors prior to the service starting at 6:30 PM. A funeral mass will also be held on Friday, August 19 at 10:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church followed by a reception in Kohls Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Womens Help Center, EWTN, the CHILD Cancer Fund, and the MDS Foundation. ### Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com