Joni Marie LaCourse, 52, of Toledo, OH, passed away Friday, June 29, 2007, at home holding the hand of her loving husband, Jim. She was born in Adrian, Michigan to La Verne and Gloria Wonder on November 19, 1954. Joni will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, granny and friend to all that knew her. Joni had an enthusiasm for life that was truly contagious. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting her children's athletic events. Her courage and strength will be an inspiration to many as she battled pancreatic cancer for over twenty-one months. Joni never let a day pass that she did not spend with those she loved making memories to last a lifetime. Her family will greatly miss her gourmet meals and special touches at many family gatherings. She also spent the last two years traveling, spending time in Paris, France with her daughter; Ft. Meyers, Florida with her family; a twenty-four day car trip out west visiting fifteen states, during which she was chief navigator for her husband; and, stays on Kelley's Island relaxing with friends and family. Joni prided herself on having a loving and caring family. She was especially proud to be a grandmother, spending as much time as she could with them. Joni was an employee of Toledo Public Schools for twenty-two years, working with students with special needs. Joni loved her job and remained dedicated to her alma mater, Waite High School, until her illness no longer allowed her to work. Joni was a gifted gardener and even in her last weeks continued to work in her garden. Joni also was a dedicated animal lover. She left this world in peace knowing that the Lord had prepared a place for her in heaven. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Jim LaCourse; children, Kristie (Paul) Gibbs, Ryan (Sabrina) Sinift and A.J. LaCourse; grandchildren, Owen and Luke Gibbs; uncles, Larry (Dee) Masteller and Jerry (MaryAnn) Masteller, and several cousins. Family and friends may visit at the Eggleston Meinert Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., Oregon, OH, on Sunday and Monday from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions to Hospice of Northwest Ohio would be greatly appreciated. God looked around his garden And He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this Earth and saw a tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never Get well on earth again. He saw the road Was getting rough And the hills were Hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn't go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home. Visitation: Visitation Times Sunday & Monday, 2-8 p.m. Oregon Chapel