Our beloved Lillian Joann (O’Bleness) O’Hagan passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at a memory care and hospice facility in Parker, Colo., due to complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 81.
Joann was born in Keokuk, Iowa, on October 29, 1942, to Norman Wesley O’Bleness and Lillie Bernice (Sundeen) O’Bleness. She was a graduate of Keokuk Senior High School in 1961, studied at Keokuk Community College and the University of Iowa where she graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in science. While in college, Joann worked in a laboratory where she conducted biological research.
After moving to Colorado, Joann was heavily involved with the Cherry Creek School District in volunteer roles as parent council president and on the long-range planning committee, among others. She worked for the University of Phoenix as a Regional Office Manager and administrator for a four-state region, and she enjoyed volunteering at the Colorado History Museum.
First and foremost, Joann was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She always put others before herself. She had a particular love for taking care of her family, fifties music, ladybugs, hummingbirds, dark chocolate, crossword puzzles, game shows, covered bridges, watching airplanes take off at the airport, and playing clever April Fool’s Day jokes on her kids, grandkids and sons-in-law.
Joann is survived by her husband of 46 years – Jim O’Hagan; children – Stephanie Henning (Ryan), Tom O’Hagan (Mark) and Sara Goodwin (Will); stepchildren – Michelle Davis (Eric) and Bobbie Cromwell (Kevin); sister – Dana Stolley (Don); grandchildren – Brayden, Reese, Drue, Liam, and Grady; step-grandchildren – Autumn, Alex (Heather) and Charlie; step great-grandson – Ben; nephew – Dylan Stolley (Dani), and nieces – Caitlin and Kendall Stolley.
Joann is preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Sadie, and step-granddaughter Angel.
Contributions in her honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock, or to a charity of choice.
A celebration of life for Joann will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Joann will be laid to rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 880 E Wolfensberger, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109.
