Joanne Borton

Joanne Patterson was born May 8, 1936 in Hamilton, Montana to Robert and Vergie Patterson. The family moved to Spokane, Washington where she lived until meeting her husband. When Joanne was 14, she contracted polio which impacted her ability to walk. With the help of her mother, she worked hard and successfully regained the use of her legs.

She became the wife of Eugene Borton who was active in the US Air Force stationed in Spokane. Soon after their wedding, the Air Force relocated them to Wichita Falls, Texas where their first son, Robert, was born on July 4, 1953.

After leaving the Air Force, they moved to Fontana, California where they completed their family with another son, Donald, and a daughter, Debra.

Joanne had a love for medicine and returned to Chaffey College to earn her Associate Degree and Registered Nursing License. She was employed at the first Kaiser Hospital located in Fontana, and quickly advanced to the position of Head Nurse over the Surgical, Orthopedics, and Urology Clinics. As Kaiser Hospital grew in size, she was instrumental in establishing the Nurses’ Union and improving patient services.

In 1978, she had an aneurism which resulted in a severe stoke, paralyzing the entire right side of her body. She had to learn all over again how to read, write, speak, and walk. As part of her therapy she learned ceramics and enjoyed making gifts for family and friends. She eventually was successful in regaining many functions that were taken by the stroke, although, she remained with partial paralysis on her right side.

In 1993, she moved to Longmont, Colorado to be close to her son Don and his family. She loved to read her Bible and sing, especially her favorite church hymns. Her house was a favorite after school stop by her grandchildren, where she would always have snacks waiting.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, son Robert, and grandson Keith.

Surviving are her children: Don of Longmont, Debra of Longmont, a brother Richard of Spokane, sisters Elaine of Nashville and Linda of Joplin. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.