JoAnn Ridley

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Ridley, JoAnn age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her final days. JoAnn was born in Williston, North Dakota, the daughter of Roy and Nettie Halverson. She was baptized and confirmed Lutheran and graduated from Williston HS. JoAnn attended the U of North Dakota, active in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and was the first UND graduating class for Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT). JoAnn married Jim Ridley in 1957 and they raised two children, Jeff and Kathy. JoAnn earned her Master's of Science in Counseling Education from SDSU. She had an accomplished career in both educational institutions and treating patients. In education, JoAnn created the curriculum for the OTA degree program as Director of OT at Duluth Vocational Institute. At Kansas University, JoAnn was a professor for the OT department. After moving to Minnesota, JoAnn worked at the University of Minnesota as an OTR therapist in rehabilitation and as a counselor in the psychiatric department. JoAnn later became the Chief of Occupational Therapy at the University of California - San Diego Hospital. JoAnn really enjoyed working with her peers and staff members and was proud of the quality care she and her team provided their patients. She was a teacher at heart always wanting to help others. JoAnn was preceded in death by: her son, David (5mo); her parents, Roy and Nettie, and her brother, Gailen. She is survived by loving family: son, Jeff (Cindy) Ridley; daughter, Kathy (John) Simon; grandchildren TJ (Courtney), Kalli (Chase), Tommy & Katie and other relatives and friends. JoAnn loved people, socials, art, sailing & boating, bridge, skiing, traveling, champagne, popular music, attending her grand kids events, and of course her family and friends. Celebration of Life with immediate family Fri., Nov. 27 at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, Minneapolis. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on November 22, 2020