Joanna R Laffin

With heavy hearts, we share that Joanna Rae Laffin passed away unexpectedly Monday September 7, 2026, leaving her family and friends grappling with an immense loss. Joanna, born on December 6, 1958 in Alamosa, Colorado, was a devoted grandmother whose world centered on her beloved grandchildren. She loved being a “Nana” more than anything—her smile and unconditional love as their grandmother will always be remembered.

Joanna married her husband, Carl, on May 11, 1991, and together they built a life filled with love and commitment. Over their 35 years of marriage, they welcomed family and friends with open arms and raised two wonderful children in a space filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Joanna was a devoted and cherished wife whose gentle spirit made their home a safe and welcoming place, where countless friends were lovingly embraced as family.

Joanna’s career was spent in Title Insurance which she found delight in, and built a community of people who care for her. Joanna found great joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life—spending time with those she loved, sharing long phone conversations, tending to her beautiful garden and backyard, watching movies, and cooking and baking for the people around her. Her baking was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

Joanna also adored animals, especially her faithful dogs, Teddy, Kobe, and Max. They were her constant companions, bringing endless joy, comfort, and snuggles to her days. Her love for them was a beautiful reflection of the warmth and tenderness she shared so freely with those around her.

Her sudden departure leaves an emptiness in our homes, but her spirit remains with us always.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Laffin; her son Jason (Shauna) Tabeling; her daughter Sarah (Greg) Cherabie; her grandchildren Trae and Blake Tabeling, Aila and Aiden Cherabie; her mother Tillie Valdez; her brother John Valdez; her sister Audrey (Craig) Moen, her brother-in-law Tony Eppolito; her nephews and nieces Nichole Valdez; Craig (Katie) Eppolito, Michael Eppolito, Thomas (Vanessa) Moen. Numerous other family, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and co-workers.

Joanna was preceded in death by her father John Valdez, her sister Deanna Eppolito, and her brother Rick Valdez.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, located at 8035 S Quebec Street, Centennial, CO, on Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made, in memory of Joanna, to the American Heart Association.