Joanne Crothers DeLone

Joanne C. DeLone, 92, of Bloomington passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26th, 2021 at Hearthstone Health Campus with family by her side. She was born on April 8, 1929 in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William J. Crothers and Dorothy Beal Crothers. Joanne was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Bright, cheerful, strong, loving and independent she is remembered fondly by family and friends. Her grandchildren remember her trademark red lipstick and pearls, the insistence on proper grammar, her love of animals, and her lemon meringue pie. Of course her love for Maine was second only to her love of family. She had a quick wit, and a way of focusing intently on whomever she was with, making them feel important and valued. She had curiosity about what was going on in the lives of her loved ones, always showing enthusiasm and support whether in teaching a grandchild manners, how to bake, or cheering one on at college track meets, a poodle by her side. Joanne had a varied work life, starting her career as a perfusionist on the first artificial heart and lung machine developed at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia by Dr. John Heysham Gibbon. While raising her family, she volunteered for many years at the Well Baby Clinic in Bloomington. Other volunteer work included being a Cub Scout Den mother at St. Charles, a Little League score keeper, and President of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity mom’s club. Her later years were spent at the IU Optometry School where she finished her career as the clinic coordinator for the Binocular Vision and Pediatrics department. Joanne is survived by her three children, Louis and wife Meredith, Peter and wife Mireya, and Sarah; four grandchildren Helene and husband Zach Hetrick, Maggie and husband Will Sackmann, Scott and Nicole; and great granddaughter Collins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William J Crothers Jr., and her beloved husband Dr. Richard Pierre “Pete” DeLone. A Celebration of Life will be held on Little Deer Isle, Maine in May 2022. Allen Funeral and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Joanne Crothers DeLone

April 8, 1929 - November 26, 2021