Olga Joanne Lukasiewicz Alder

Joanne (Olga) Alder passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. She was a gifted, caring mother to 6 children and grandmother to 8 grandchildren. Born on January 15, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to Michael and Pauline (Frankowski) Lukasiewicz, Joanne went on to receive an Education Degree from Toledo University. She loved children which showed in her teaching ability for 35 years in Ohio and Texas in the fields of elementary school math, art, music and special education …specifically working at Alice Landergin Elementary School for over 25 years where she was named Teacher of the Year. She earned her Real Estate License in Texas and, with determination, worked as a real estate agent for over 35 years (in conjunction with teaching)...additionally earning Outstanding Sales Achievement Awards multiple years. She lived a rich, full life as a remarkably strong, independent woman. Joanne loved gardening, piano, painting, animals, Bunco, canasta and taking blue ribbon honors in Iris shows. She was a very giving person who worked continuously to help children advance by collecting over 12,000 books and other items to donate to local schools and the children attending them for many years after service. Her strength, grit, fortitude and independence were an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. She continued to be active throughout her affiliations over the years with memberships in Alpha Chi Omega Alumni (50+ years), Amarillo Retired Teachers Association, North Texas Iris Society Member, American Iris Society Member, Texas garden Club Member, National Association of Realtors Member and Amarillo Association of Realtors.

She is preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Catherine Newman, and is survived by her children Rick Alder, Mark Alder, David Alder, Paul Alder and Teresa Altherr and eight wonderful grandchildren.

A Memorial Service and gathering with light refreshments is planned for 1:00 PM Sunday, July 13, 2014 at the Botanical gardens of Amarillo, 1400 Streit Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne's memory to one or more of the following are encouraged: The Humane Society of Amarillo; The Botanical Gardens of Amarillo and/or The Iris Society of North Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX 79109 and Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 E. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ. Please visit www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.