Joan Frances Knipp Townsend, October 19, 2019 — February 09, 2019

Joan Knipp Townsend was called home to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she has a new body free from pain and discomfort and she will be dancing with Jesus, seeing her loved ones that went before her and talking to the many critters she cared for in her wonderful life. She left detailed instructions for her husband and children to celebrate her past mission here, which has now been completed.

Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated. She loved life, but she also embraced eternity with everything she had, and she was always looking forward to meeting Him on the golden streets of Heaven. We want to let her know that she was an amazing mother, wife, friend, confidant and beautiful soul who saw the good in everyone and always rooted for the underdog.

We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family and friends, but also students, colleagues and clients. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of so many.

She was an enigma – she was just as happy milking her cow (LuLu) as she was listening to a lecture series or cooking a fantastic feast for her family. Her love of music, all things outdoors and all furry things was just a testament to her beautiful soul. She was and will always be our hero for so many reasons, but some might not know she was a 30+year, Stage 4 breast cancer survivor who gave hope to so many, she survived far more than she was ever supposed to, she baffled and delighted doctors and she always showed compassion even when she was the patient.

She taught us to never quit on anything you believe in. She was a wonderful wife and an amazing mom and g-ma, and she will be missed so much but she would be mad for tears, so we are doing our best to keep those to a minimum. We will be having a celebration of life this spring when the flowers and the birds are out, so they can celebrate too.

Joan is survived by her husband Gene, two daughters Kristin (husband Tom) and Erin (husband Dave), stepson Benji and two grandchildren Alexis and Jordan. In lieu of flowers we ask that your memorials be made to the Bitterroot Humane Society.

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