Joann (Klappholz) Totten

Born: Fri., Apr. 23, 1965
Died: Sat., Mar. 25, 2017


Visitation

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thu., Mar. 30, 2017
Location: Alexander Thomas and Sons Funeral Home, Walpole, MA


Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM Fri., Mar. 31, 2017
Location: Blessed Sacrament Church


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Joann (Klappholz) Totten
Joann Totten, 51, of Walpole, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, at her home surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer.  Joann was the beloved wife of Glenn Totten and devoted mother to daughters Mei and Lia Totten.  
Born April 23, 1965 in Far Rockaway, New York, Joann graduated from Maloney High School (Meriden CT) in 1983 and Eastern Connecticut State University (Windham, CT) in 1987.  On May 29, 1992, Joann began her life journey in St. Thomas, USVI where she and Glenn were united in marriage.  
Joann began her career as a Radiation Therapist at Brigham and Women’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute, a field she entered to honor the memory of her grandmother. Joann was dedicated and passionate about her profession and would spend the next 18 years caring for others. She took tremendous pride in the care of her patients and was honored to work with a dedicated team of professionals that shared her passion for giving.  Ironically, it would be these same professionals that would come to her aid to help her face her own battle against her disease.
Joann was a tremendously caring and giving person and nowhere was that love and devotion more apparent than in her daughters Mei and Lia. Joann was so proud to be their mother and to provide her girls with a foundation of love and a strong sense of family as she watched them grow into the beautiful young women they are today. One of her greatest joys was the opportunity to return to China on a family trip to visit her daughters’ birthplace last spring; a memory that will last a lifetime for Glenn and their girls.
Joann will always be remembered for her courage and dignity; the inspiration she portrayed, and the appreciation for all the caring people that made her journey home a lesson in love and humanity. We will miss her beautiful smile and that special something that she shared with those that knew her.
Along with her husband Glenn, daughters Mei and Lia, Joann is survived by her parents Bruce and Linda Klappholz of Mattapoisett, MA, her brother Douglas Klappholz, his wife Catherine and their children Jakub and Chloe of Vancouver, WA and her mother-in-law Patricia Peterson of Dennisport, MA and also survived by many relatives and close friends.
Visiting Hours: will be held Thursday evening from 4:00 - 8:00 at the Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common St., WALPOLE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Walpole. Relatives and friends invited. Interment at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Totten Strong Fund” to help with future educational expenses for her daughters Mei and Lia.  Checks can be made payable to Totten Strong Fund and sent to Rockland Federal Credit Union, 564 Main Street Walpole, MA 02081
For directions and guestbook please visit:
thomasfuneralhomes.com
Alexander F. Thomas & Sons FH
Walpole, MA  508-668-0154    

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Condolence Booklet

Bill and Tania Curran
   Posted Mon March 27, 2017
Dear Glenn, Mei and Lia:
We were very sorry to hear the news about Joann. She was such a sweet person. She always had a smile. Our thoughts are with you all.
Take Care,
Bill, Tania, Kevin and Annie Curran

Linda Dugdale
   Posted Mon March 27, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You will always have her with you for she left her Love for each and everyone of you to hold and carry as you journey through life. May memories surround you now and always.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
Linda Cannata Dugdale and Peter Dugdale

Jennifer Gulbrand
   Posted Mon March 27, 2017

SOPHISTICATION WILLOW BASKET SPRAY was sent by Jennifer Gulbrand.

Glenn, Mei & Lia, May the peace which comes from memories of love shared as a family comfort you now and in the years ahead. Love, Jenn, David & Nataliya


Andre Jackson
   Posted Tue March 28, 2017

ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY STANDING SPRAY was sent by Impact Martial Arts.

To Glenn, Mei and Lia in memory of Joann, beloved wife and mother. May her examples of love, caring and joy bring you comfort in this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences to you all and the rest of her family. Sincerely, Your friends at Impact Martial Arts


Laura Norwood
   Posted Tue March 28, 2017
Glenn, Mei and Lia; there are no words that I can express to ease your loss. My thoughts have been with you all so often over the last year and half and will continue. Joann was a wonderful wife and mother and a wonderful friend. We are all better from knowing her. My accept my sincere sympathy to you and your extended family during this time.

The Norwoods

Jacqueline Fearer
   Posted Tue March 28, 2017
I am heartbroken. The world has lost a beautiful soul.

Jessie Blackadar
   Posted Wed March 29, 2017
What a Beautiful woman inside and out. While my business was open Joann would take her daughters in for haircuts at my shop and for lunch next door at the Good Food Store . She truly LOVED those beautiful girls with her whole heart some mothers would come in and treat the experience like an inconvenient chore ,however Joann would come in and relish in the experience and treat each time like a new adventure She got this Mom thing how everyday is a gift and treat it as special as it is.Pleas Rest In Peace you are a Beautiful soul here on Earth and now in Heaven.

Pixie Healy Galasieski
   Posted Wed March 29, 2017
I never got a chance to meet Joann and her marvelous family, but know of her battle through relatives, the Krull family. I had Joann on my prayer list for a long while now and I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I'm sure she flew swiftly and definitely now rests in Jesus' arms. She is and always will be, a warrior of strength of faith and character who will remain in everyone's hearts. Please know prayers will continue for the family during this very difficult and sorrowful time. God bless you all!

Helen Fatseas
   Posted Thu March 30, 2017
Glenn, I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I did not know her but she sounds like I would have liked her very much. Maggie posted on Facebook; which is how I found out. You have a lot of loving and caring folks around, even if we haven't seen you in years. Sending prayers to you and your girls. - Helen

Marilou Newell
   Posted Sat April 01, 2017
I did not know Joann personally but I know her mother and father very well. They spoke glowing of Joann's strength of character, bravery, and determination to maintain her dignity. My heartfelt sympathy to Joann's husband and children.

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