Joanne J. Lerche

Joanne Jones Lerche passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021, having succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. She was born the daughter of Mack C. Jones and Catherine Smith Jones on May 13, 1935, in Champaign, IL.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Svend E. Lerche. She is survived and missed by her children Michael Lerche and his wife Robbie MacKinnon Lerche of Franklin, TN; Susan Lerche Rousseau and her husband Alex Rousseau of Ledyard, CT; James Lerche of Jacksonville, FL; and Diane Lerche Costea and her husband Cristian Costea of Columbia, TN, along with 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and scores of other family and friends.

Joanne grew up in Farmington, CT, graduating from Farmington High School in 1953. She went on to attain her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in 1957. She married Svend E. Lerche that same year on June 15. They raised their family in Linwood, NJ and later in Preston, CT, where they lived and were active in the community for more than 30 years.

Joanne was an active member of the Preston City Congregational Church and a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. She was a leader to troops in Preston for 10 years.  Later going on to a staff position with Girl Scouts, CT Trails Council for 25 years. She was also a fanatical supporter of women’s basketball in CT, holding tickets for UCONN, The Blizzard and The Connecticut Sun, rarely missing a game or the Final Four.

Joanne, like her mother and approximately 55 million others, dealt with the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease for more than 15 years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A calling hour will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, December 11th with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 AM at the Preston City Congregational Church in Preston, CT.