Joanne Lalonde Green passed away on Monday, November 18 at Big Sky Assisted Living in Butte. She was 91.

Mom was born on May 10, 1933, in Anaconda to Joseph and Nettie Kerrigan Lalonde. The family moved frequently, especially during WWII, as Joe worked as a welder in support of the war effort. Finally settling back in Anaconda, Mom graduated from Anaconda Central High School, proud  member of the Class of 1951.

Following graduation, Mom enrolled in the Nursing Program at Carroll College, embarking on what would become a 50-year love affair with the Nursing profession. She received her diploma in Nursing from the Sisters of Charity in 1954 and her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing in 1958.

While working on her B.S.N., she was living on Empire St. with her dear friend Claire (Combo) Holman and family. The next-door neighbor kid caught her eye and on August 29, 1959, Joanne and Kelly Green were married in St. Peter's Church in Anaconda. Soon after followed son Dan and daughter Kelly.

Mom held numerous nursing positions over the years, including Instructor for both St. Patrick and St. James Hospital's Schools of Nursing, Head Nurse of the 6th floor at St. James, Director of Wellness and Education for Butte-Silver Bow, Director of Nursing at Anaconda Community Hospital and an instructor at Butte Vo-Tech.

Mom's love affair and defining moment with the Healing Arts changed direction in 1981 when she attended a Holistic Health Workshop taught by Dr. Effie Chow. Mom became certified in Healing Energies and Tai Chi. In 1983, she started her own business, Health Unlimited. For nearly 20 years, she gave Holistic Health Workshops all over Southwest Montana, teaching participants how to "brush" away their pain and stress using Therapeutic Touch.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Mom received her master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University in 1997 at the age of 64. Mom loved teaching nursing. Daughter Kelly continually meets Mom's former students who tell her that Joanne was one of their best instructors.

The most important thing of all to Joanne, above all else, was her family. To Joanne, family had nothing to do with blood relation. She was caregiver in every sense of the word to anyone she considered family. You all know who you are. She had a very special relationship with her granddaughters Aidan, Hannah and Devin. She loved them "to the moon and back" and was continually amazed by them.

Mom was also a great believer in education and continuing education. There was no doubt about where her children were headed after high school and any argument to the contrary would have been futile. She was extremely proud of the educational accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. A teacher in every sense of the word.

Mom had many great friendships over the years, especially Claire Holman, Barb Martin and Barb Hovis. Thank you for always being there for Mom.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband Kelly; her parents; brother Bud Lalonde; and sisters Marianne Birkenbuel and Jean Ziober.

Mom is survived by son Dan and his wife Rebecca; daughter Kelly; granddaughters Aidan Amtmann and her partner Nolan Saracini; Hannah Amtmann and Devin Amtmann. Also, sisters Janet Marquez, Rita Neill and brother-in-law Bruce Neill. Also, surviving are special sister-in-law Bonnie Green and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thank you to all the staff at Big Sky Assisted Living, specifically those on the Memory Care Unit, for taking wonderful care of Mom over the last couple of years. The family would especially like to thank Ashleigh Preston. Also, the staff of Senior Solutions Hospice for their wonderful service.

No services are planned at this time. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to charity of donor's choice. Memories and cards may be sent c/o 1101 Steel St. Butte, MT 59701.