Joanne Vilmure

She was a native of Assumption, Illinois where she met Philip John Vilmure, the handsome boy who would later become her husband. Joanne graduated from St. John’s School of Nursing, with an RN degree. Joanne loved being a Registered Nurse. She had worked in neo-natal units, on the TB wards, and was a specialist in infection control, but she maintained a soft spot for elderly patients and continued working as an RN in Tampa while raising her family (earning her the family title of "Road Nurse").

In 1957, after Phil’s military service at Chandler and Nellis AFB ended, they moved first to Monroe,Wisconsin. Soon after Phil, Joanne and two young daughters moved to Tampa to be near his parents in Clearwater, the late Philip Edward Vilmure and Anastasia Rita Stalets Vilmure. They built their lifelong home in Guernsey Estates. There they raised seven children and established enduring friendships with the other young families in the new neighborhood. As parents, they modelled uncomplaining hard work and sacrifice. They took strength from and practiced their Catholic faith for their entire lives. They were founding parishioners at South Tampa’s Saint Patrick Catholic Church and school.

Joanne was an avid reader who loved the public library and took pride in building her own vast collection of books. Like many of her Irish family, Joanne was a gifted storyteller and an enthusiastic mimic. She particularly liked singing in the choir at Christ the King, engaging in games of cutthroat Scrabble with her adult children, reading witty obituaries, and eating imprudent amounts of Blue Bell ice cream. Often.

To those who knew her, perhaps the most outstanding feature of Joanne’s contribution to their lives was her ability to identify their best attributes and talents and to offer encouragement, praise, and support. She was an unfailing champion, a true and caring friend, and a sharp-minded and hilarious companion. During her period of declining health, Joanne inspired others with her optimism and spirit. May the road rise to meet you, Mom.

She is welcomed into Heaven by Our Lord and by her husband Phil, her parents Donald and Flora Flaherty, sister Donna Hart (husband Ray), two brothers Donny and Joe, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. She leaves behind seven children: Kathleen, Judy, David (wife Belinda), Ed, Liz Boeger (husband Carl), Mary Heidel (husband Ellis), and Dan; three grandchildren: Philip Vilmure (wife Brittany and great grand-child Philip), Nicole Diehl (husband Daniel), and Jacob Boeger (wife Kathryn). She is also survived by beloved extended family: her good friend and sister-in-law Elise Flaherty of Chicago, along with her nieces, nephews, and their children.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Stephen M. Kreitzer, MD, whose skilled care, kind-manner, and sense or humor meant the world to her, especially in these last years. Nurse Joanne would have loved to report for duty just one more time.

Friends are invited to the visitation on Sunday, March 13, from 2-4PM at Blount & Curry FH-MacDill Chapel. Joanne requested a private interment. A funeral Mass will be held at 2PM on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL, 33611.