Joan E. Redmond

Joan E. Tollefsen Redmond, 86, of Homosassa, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014. Joan was born to Otto and Edythe Tollefsen on Oct. 5, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister, Ruth Tollefsen Anderson. She grew up in Brooklyn, where she later met and married her husband of 64 years, Thomas Redmond. Early on, she worked for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company in Manhattan before her most cherished roles of wife, mother and homemaker. In later years, after her children were grown, she worked as a legal secretary in three law firms and at the Citrus County Courthouse. She also lived in Florida, Indiana, Arizona and Connecticut and played an important role in supporting her husband’s career. Joan and her husband retired to Homosassa in 1987. Above all, Joan’s passion was caring for her husband and family. Her two daughters, Cathy Redmond Akroyd of Cary, NC and Nancy Redmond Amundson (Karl E. Amundson) of Homosassa cherished their mother and her incredible love and devotion. Joan had five grandchildren who were very dear to her: Ben Akroyd (Erica) of Raleigh, NC; Amy Akroyd, also of Raleigh, NC; Hailey Amundson and Hannah Amundson, both of Fort Myers, FL; and Kari Amundson of St. Augustine, FL. Joan is also survived by her four nephews, Steven Anderson (Karen) of Shohola, PA; Rick Anderson (Dawn) of Angier, NC; Ken Anderson (Lisa), of Charlotte, NC; and Gary Anderson (Patty) of Holtsville, NY. Joan was known for her energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude and kindness. She loved cooking, art, holidays, flowers and gardening, and endlessly saw the good in all things. She served her community as a Girl Scout leader and youth group leader in her church. Visitation will take place on Friday, Dec. 12, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., followed by a service in celebration of her life at 12:30, all at Wilder Funeral Home, 4890 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. (Phone: 352-628-3344) www.wilderfuneral.com