Joanne Louise Espinola

Celebrating Life

Joanne “Jo” Louise Espinola, 84, of La Grande, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at a local care facility. A Graveside Service will be held at Island City Cemetery on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2:00pm.  Casual dress is preferred by the family.

Joanne was born on June 12, 1939 in Pendleton, Oregon to Claude and Leona (Trahan) Otis. She resided in Pendleton, OR; Pilot Rock, OR; Adams, OR; Stanfield, OR; and Milton-Freewater, OR. She attended Stanfield High School. Then attended Columbia Basin JC and Eastern Oregon College of Education. While in high school, she met her husband, Michael Espinola, married him in 1958 and they stayed married until his passing in 2015.

Joanne was a Second Grade Teacher for the Union School District #5. She was an Antique dealer in her retirement years. She also enjoyed yard sales and traveling.

Joanne is survived by her son, Randy Espinola of Kennewick, WA; brothers, Butch Otis of Stanfield, OR and Roger Otis of Hermiston, OR; sister, Dr. Janet Jones of AZ; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael M. Espinola; son, Rick Espinola of La Grande and parents Claude and Leona Otis.

She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society, 3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR 97850. Obituary courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel.

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