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Josephine (Jo) Burns Laughlin September 30, 1914 - August 11, 2005 A notre chere mere et granmere, auvoir avec amour. Following a period of private immediate and extended family mourning, reflecting upon her challenges and accomplishments, her daughter, Teresa (Terri) Laughlin McCaslin, and her grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Baker, announce her passing peacefully on August 11, 2005, following a long and valiant struggle with cancer and diabetes. Jo is also survived by her cherished cousins, Marv Dobson of Miami, FL, and Lu Haag, of Boca Raton, FL, and their daughters: Logan, Travis, and Heather. Per Mom's request, she remained at home during her final illness. She was compassionately cared for by her daughter, her grandchildren, Jan Clar, Daniel Gutierrez, and nurse Josie Montano, as well as the wonderful B team staff of VistaCare Hospice. A heartfelt thank you to her Lovelace medical providers: Dr. Allen Adolphe, Dr. Heidi Fleishmann, Dr. Amy Tarnower, and Barbara Wright, CFNP. Appreciation is also expressed to the staff at Maxcare, Inc. and Pathways, for their extended moral support. Jo was the daughter of John Wesley Burns and Lula Conley Burns. She was born in Ashland, KY and graduated from high school there. She also took courses from Pepperdine University. Jo worked as a court reporter and legal secretary in Kentucky. In 1946, she moved with her family to Midland, TX, where she lived until moving to Albuquerque in 1999. She worked for Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin and Browder law firm for several years and then began a 31 year teaching career at Hillander School in Midland. She remembered with fondness the ultimate successes of two generations of her students. Mom lived her life with integrity, honesty and compassion and was part of a small and loyal group of friends with whom she enjoyed playing gin rummy, seeing plays, and attending the opera. At age 75, one of her accomplishments was to successfully complete a Class 3 white water rafting adventure on the Rio Grande. During her years in Midland she also volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Symphony, and the Midland Community Theatre Library. Until her death she was also an honorary member of the Kentucky Colonels. Between 1950 and 1970, she became a classically trained pianist, under the tutelage of Professor Herbert Bradshaw. During this time, she also became a very proficient artist, specializing in pastels, oils and charcoal. Jo continued to paint until losing most of her vision in 1999. Jo held a very special place in her heart for Jim D., Vince, Alfred, Emily and Cathy, Stan and Nancy, Annette, Jamie, Pamela, Melissa, Pearcey, Helen and Jim, all of whom she felt made this world a better place for individuals with disabilities. To Gloria and Louis Salazar, of Reflections, a profound thank you for their assistance, inclusion, and sensitivity in putting final arrangement together, paying special attention to the need's of Jo's children. A memorial/celebratory luncheon will be held in Midland for her friends at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice. In lieu of donations, if you have a fond memory of Jo that you wish to share with her family, cards can be sent to: REFLECTIONS Funerals & Life Celebrations 2400 Washington Street NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 884-5777
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