Joanne S. Simmons Osterholt

Hi Joanne,

Great getting an update on your busy life. I'm sure you're just as sweet today as the gal I remember! Take care ! Georgie

Posted on: Feb 11, 2015 at 4:17 PM

It's so difficult hearing of the losses of our friends and we are of the age where the rate will increase. Just know that I feel strongly that we are who we are because of the people with whom we have been associated over our lives. Along that line, I want you to know that each of you has played a role in my life and for that I thank you. Whether we were neighbors, rode the school bus together, shared classes/homeroom, sat outside the coliseum in 33 degree weather at 6:00 AM, worked on prom decorations, the Totem, the Times, or shared experiences in Library Club, Wranglers, Meteorites, chorus, or whatever- each of those was a moment of growth.
I have been so blessed with an incredible life, in a sense two lives. After I.U. and Tulane University, I ended up in New Orleans where I met Joe Hughes, my first husband. My Christian faith was my strength and my life was filled with two darling daughters, husband, church, volunteerisms galore. All of that while living on a piece of heaven!
After becoming a widow at 43, I met my wonderful husband Bill Osterholt( at church, no less) and gained a stepdaughter! We have had an incredibly varied life with numerous moves and several different art teaching jobs for me. How I have loved teaching (at each age level, due to relocations). I gave it all up this past year so that I could totally support Bill as he works on our boat (trawler) While he was already an engineer (Tulane U,) he became a naval architect to handle ship design, etc. for the Dept. of the Navy. Part of the time we live on our boat which puts us in a state of awe with the sights and sounds of water, sunsets, oak trees, water plants...and, yes, a gator or two. We could not be happier or feel more fulfilled, thank you Lord!
I pray for the best for all of you.